Cognitive Assessments
assessments for all life stages | sydney
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants |
Understanding how your child thinks, learns, and processes information - to unlock the right support.
What does a Cognitive Assessment cover?
A cognitive assessment evaluates how your child processes information, learns, and applies thinking skills across different areas. It builds a detailed profile of intellectual ability, working memory, processing speed, and reasoning - helping you, your child, and their educators understand how their mind works and where targeted support may help.
At Spectrum Therapy Australia, cognitive assessments are conducted by registered psychologists and are always strengths-focused, neurodiversity-affirming, and family-centred. Our goal isn't to label your child - it's to give your family clarity and a clear path forward.
• Verbal comprehension - vocabulary, verbal reasoning, and expressing ideas in words
• Nonverbal and fluid reasoning - problem-solving using patterns and visual information
• Working memory - holding and using information while completing a task
• Processing speed - how quickly and accurately your child completes tasks
• Visual-spatial skills - understanding and working with visual and spatial information
• Academic attainment - reading, spelling, and maths performance relative to age
• Adaptive functioning - real-world application of thinking skills in daily life
Who can a Cognitive Assessment support?
• Is struggling academically despite good effort and strong teaching
• Has a significant gap between what they understand verbally and what they produce in writing or on tests
• Has a history of learning difficulties or a family history of specific learning differences
• Has been identified as gifted, or may be twice-exceptional (gifted and with a learning difference)
• Needs a cognitive profile for NDIS planning, school funding, or access to exam adjustments
• Has co-occurring support needs such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, or speech and language differences
• Is preparing for a major educational transition and additional support planning is needed
Step 5 - Feedback and next steps
Step 4 - The report
Step 3 - Your involvement
Step 2 - The assessment session
Step 1 - Before your appointment
What happens at a Cognitive Assessment?
Your psychologist will work with your child through a combination of structured tasks and standardised assessment tools designed to explore different aspects of thinking and learning. Sessions are calm, predictable, and paced to suit your child - many children find them engaging and enjoyable.
How we keep assessments person‑centred
We:
- Follow the person’s pace
- Use play, movement, or interests to build connection (for younger clients)
- Avoid deficit‑based language
- Respect all communication — spoken, typed, gestural, AAC, or behaviour
- Create a sensory‑considerate environment
- Prioritise comfort, autonomy, and consent
Our aim is for every person to feel understood, not judged.
Funding and rebates
Medicare rebates (with a GP referral)
Private health rebates (depending on your fund)
NDIS funding for self‑managed or plan‑managed participants
Spectrum Therapy Australia is not an NDIS registered provider.
years Combined clinical experience
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Behind every success story, there’s a passionate support team.
The Spectrum Therapy team is as diverse as they come — speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and therapy assistants. They’re not just experts, they’re the secret sauce behind our whole-child approach.
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Social Connection Programs
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