Cognitive and Functional Assessments

Cognitive (IQ) Assessments for Adults

What is a cognitive assessment?

Tara Psychology provides adult cognitive assessments using the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale Fifth Edition (WAIS-V), a widely recognised and validated measure of intellectual functioning. The assessment provides an estimated Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and detailed view of how you think, solve problems, and process information. A comprehensive report is provided, highlighting your strengths, challenges, and tailored recommendations. Understanding your thinking patterns can help you make practical choices and build confidence in your abilities.

Who can benefit from a cognitive assessment?

Cognitive assessments are valuable for adults seeking a comprehensive understanding of their thinking style and learning approach. They can provide guidance for career or educational planning, help develop strategies for daily tasks, and offer insights to support ADHD or autism diagnostic assessments. Cognitive assessments can also support applications for NDIS or other services where understanding your cognitive profile is important.

What areas are assessed?

The WAIS-V evaluates a range of cognitive abilities, including:

Verbal comprehension – Your ability to understand and use language effectively.

Visual spatial ability – How you perceive and work with visual information, such as patterns and spatial arrangements.

Fluid reasoning – Your capacity to solve new problems and think logically in unfamiliar situations.

Working memory – How well you can hold and manipulate information in your mind over short periods.

Processing speed – How quickly you can take in information, make decisions, and respond.

Examining these areas creates a detailed picture of how your mind works.

Assessment Process

The cognitive assessment begins with a clinical interview via telehealth to gather background information (e.g., education, work history, mental health, medical history, developmental history). This ensures your unique context is considered when interpreting your cognitive profile.

The WAIS-V is administered in-person at the Footscray clinic. Additional supporting information may be collected if relevant.

A comprehensive report is provided once all testing and any relevant information is complete. The report outlines your cognitive strengths, areas for development, and tailored recommendations. A feedback session is scheduled to review the outcomes and discuss strategies to support your goals.

Clinical Interview

Discuss goals and gather relevant background information over 1-2 sessions

Questionnaires

Complete online questionnaires in your own time (if relevant)

Cognitive Assessment

WAIS-V administered in-person at Footscray clinic

Report Writing

Analyse all information and develop a comprehensive report

Feedback

Discuss outcomes and recommendations

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Psychosocial Functional Capacity Assessments for Adults

What is a Psychosocial Functional Capacity Assessment?

Tara Psychology provides Psychosocial Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) for adults. A Psychosocial FCA evaluates how your mental health, cognitive style, and everyday functioning interact. It looks at how you manage daily tasks, relationships, work or study, and community engagement. The assessment identifies strengths, challenges, and where supports or strategies can help you participate more meaningfully in everyday life.

Who can benefit from having an assessment?

A Psychosocial FCA can help you understand how conditions such as autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, or trauma influence your daily life and independence. It informs practical strategies for treatment planning, support coordination, and accommodations at home, school, or work. The assessment also provides clear, professional documentation for funding applications, including NDIS or Disability Support Pension.

What areas are assessed?

The assessment explores areas such as:

Clinical history – Background information is explored (e.g., mental health, medical history, employment and education, developmental overview), and routines and goals are discussed through interviews.

Adaptive functioning – Independence in self-care, household responsibilities, and community participation are assessed using tools like ABAS-3.

Psychosocial and daily life functioning – Daily life skills, interpersonal effectiveness, and engagement in work, study, or community settings are evaluated using the WHODAS 2.0 and LSP-16. This helps us understand how mental health affects your everyday functioning and participation.

Sensory processing – Sensitivities that impact daily tasks or engagement are identified.

Executive functioning and emotional regulation – Planning, organisation, and coping with stress are assessed.

Collateral information – Insights are gathered from carers, professionals, or existing reports to provide a comprehensive picture.

The comprehensive report summarises your strengths and areas where support or strategies can enhance independence and participation.

Assessment Process

Psychosocial FCA ssessments are offered online, with in-person sessions arranged when appropriate. The assessment process involves a clinical interview to explore your history and current experiences, evidence-based questionnaires completed at home, and gathering supporting information from key people or professionals where relevant. A feedback session is provided to discuss recommendations and next steps.

Clinical Interview

Gather information, explore history, and conduct diagnostic interview (if relevant) over 1-3 sessions

Questionnaires

Complete online questionnaires in your own time

Collateral Information

Gather supporting information from carers, professionals, or reports (if relevant)