WISC Assessments

Psychologist Brittany performing a WISC assessment in Perth

We specialise in providing comprehensive WISC assessments to support the cognitive development and wellbeing of children and adolescents in Perth.

At Headway, we understand the importance of gaining insights into a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses –  and that’s why we offer the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) assessment.

The WISC assessment is renowned as one of the most trusted and widely used cognitive assessment tools in the field of child psychology.

Developed by the esteemed psychologist David Wechsler, this assessment has a rich history of providing valuable information about a child’s cognitive functioning, helping parents, educators, and clinicians make informed decisions about education, support, and intervention.

What is a WISC Assessment?

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) assessment is a standardised cognitive assessment tool that is used to measure the intellectual abilities and cognitive functioning of children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 16 years. However, if there are suspected intellectual delays, the minimum age is 7 years and 7 months.

This individually administered intelligence test is widely used by psychologists, educators, and clinicians to gain insights into a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

The assessment consists of a series of subtests that evaluate various aspects of intellectual functioning, including verbal comprehension, perceptual

reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.

These subtests help assess a child’s problem-solving abilities, memory, language skills, and overall cognitive potential.

The results of a WISC assessment can provide valuable information about a child’s cognitive profile, which can be used to identify learning disabilities, intellectual giftedness, or other cognitive challenges. It also helps educators and parents tailor educational and support strategies to meet the child’s specific needs.

Overall, the WISC assessment is a valuable tool for understanding a child’s cognitive abilities and can play a crucial role in shaping educational and intervention plans to support their development.

WISC Assessment Process

The assessment consists of a series of subtests that evaluate various aspects of intellectual functioning, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.

Using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, we can explore how a child’s verbal skills, nonverbal problem-solving abilities, visual-spatial skills, working memory, and processing speed all work together.

It is possible to identify the best ways to support learning based on their scores and individual strengths and weaknesses.

A child’s overall IQ (intelligence quotient) can also be assessed.

What’s Involved?
Initial Assessment

(Psychologist & parent)

 Gain background information on child’s history (developmental, academic, social, etc).
WISC Assessment Sessions

(Psychologist & child)

 Complete tasks and play ‘games,’ in a controlled, standardised way, to understand how the child’s brain works.
Interpreting & Reporting

(Psychologist only)

 Interpretation of the scores and report writing, including recommendations.

 
Feedback

(Psychologist & parent)

 Optional session with psychologist if parent would like verbal feedback.

Common Reasons for Referral

  • Identify a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
  • Identify children with intellectual giftedness as part of entry into advanced education programs.
  • Identify children with intellectual disability. If a child’s results indicate an intellectual disability may be present, an additional adaptive behavioural assessment will need to be administered before a diagnosis can be provided.
  • Identify children with a specific learning disorder. If a child’s performance on the WISC is high but their performance at school is low, this may indicate a specific learning disorder. If a child’s results indicate a specific learning disorder, additional tests may need to be administered before a diagnosis can be provided.
  • Psychiatrists may refer a child as part of an assessment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Psychologist Brittany performing a WISC assessment in Perth

Why Choose Headway?

At Headway, we are dedicated to helping parents, educators, and caregivers better understand a child’s cognitive strengths and areas that may require additional support.

Our commitment is to provide accurate and insightful assessments that contribute to informed decision-making and the tailored support needed to nurture each child’s unique potential.

All WISC assessments are performed in-house by our experienced psychologist Brittany Reynolds. Brittany’s approach combines professionalism with a playful touch, creating a therapeutic experience that is effective and enjoyable.

Looking for a WISC Assessment in Perth?

If you’re looking for a WISC assessment in Perth, look no further! Book an appointment online or contact our friendly team for more information.

As a private practice, we welcome direct enquiries, as well as referrals from GP’s and other medical specialists.

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