COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT

School is not always an enjoyable experience for children and youth with diverse learning profiles. Some students struggle with information processing, reading, spelling, written expression or numeracy. These profiles are commonly referred to as learning difficulties, learning disabilities or specific learning disorders. Defining the cognitive strengths and challenges of each child or youth allows for the establishment of appropriate learning supports and accommodations, which can allow each student to reach their academic potential.

Sage Cognitive is able to tailor an educational assessment to each child or youth’s needs. If there are concerns about a young person’s ability to engage in any aspect of their academic learning, we can assist in both defining the difficulties and outlining the necessary interventions to support them. Sage Cognitive has extensive experience in both assessment of giftedness and twice exceptionality. 

Neuropsychological testing reviews how your brain functions. Cognitive domains such as attention, processing speed, language, learning, memory, reasoning and problem-solving, as well as mood and behaviour are all reviewed. It can support identification of neurodegenerative disease (e.g. dementia) and review other neurological conditions (e.g., brain injury, tumour).

Neuropsychological testing refers to various tests that trained clinicians use to elicit information about how your brain works. Reviewing the profile of results allows for a better understanding of the relationship between your brain health, your behaviour, your cognition and mood. It can be used to determine a diagnosis or areas of cognitive strength and weakness, or to develop plans for future interventions or treatments.

The diagnosis, or discovery, of Autism is a complex process undertaken by an experienced practitioner. Autism is an experience associated with diversity in social communication and interaction, with the further experience of more restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities.

It is possible to discover Autism at any age, though greater awareness has increased the probability of discovery during childhood. The ADOS-2, ADI-R, and VABS-3 plus further interviews with significant others are used to educate decision-making.

There is no simple test to determine whether a child or an adult has ADHD, but an experienced clinician uses a range of tools to assist them in educating the diagnostic process. These include interviews with both the individual and their significant others. 

Depending on age, interviews with parents, partners and teachers, reviewing developmental experiences, educational or workplace engagement, social interaction, relational history and emotion-regulation are all valuable sources of information. Cognitive screening is also used to educate appropriate recommendations in both educational or workplace settings.