Cognitive Assessments in Dubai
What is a cognitive assessment?
A cognitive assessment is a formal way to measure a person’s ability to think, learn and use cognitive skills such as memory. It assesses a person’s ability to think and reason, and indicates how they are performing compared to others of a similar age.
Cognitive assessments are conducted by trained professionals with specialist qualifications and experience. These assessments were previously referred to as IQ tests because they focused mainly on intelligence. However, modern cognitive assessments cover a wider range of abilities, which is why the term cognitive assessment is now more accurate.
Read on if you are considering a cognitive assessment in Dubai.
When should I consider a cognitive assessment for my child?
There are many situations where a cognitive assessment might be helpful. If you or someone else is concerned about your child’s development, it may be a good idea to consider one. Some examples include:
- Concerns from a parent or carer that a child is not developing like others their age
- Feedback from school or nursery about developmental delays
- A child is not performing at the expected academic level
- Difficulties with memory, learning or concentration
- Delays in language development
- A request for a baseline to understand a child’s current abilities
- To support a diagnosis of a learning disability
- To guide schools in providing strategies for support
- To explore whether a child may be gifted or has exceptional learning abilities
What does a cognitive assessment involve?
Before the formal assessment begins, a psychologist will speak with you to understand your concerns and reasons for seeking the assessment. Based on this, an assessment package will be tailored to your child’s needs.
Typically, the process starts with an interview with parents or carers. The cognitive assessment is then carried out with your child at the clinic. It includes puzzles, sets of questions and memory tasks, all designed to suit your child’s age and language level.
If more information is needed, your psychologist may ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire about your child’s daily life and functioning. After gathering all relevant information, the psychologist will prepare a comprehensive report including any diagnosis and tailored recommendations. This will be shared with you in a feedback session and can also be sent to your child’s school, if requested.
How might having a cognitive assessment help my child?
A cognitive assessment may help you and your child’s school better understand your child’s strengths and areas of difficulty. It provides a clear overview of where support may be needed, both at home and in the classroom.
It can also explain behaviours you may have observed, such as emotional outbursts or challenges with following instructions. The results might also point to further assessments that could be helpful, such as a speech and language evaluation.
What ages can you offer cognitive assessments for?
We offer developmental assessments for babies as young as one month, and throughout childhood and adolescence. We also offer autism assessments for children, adolescents and adults.
How can I find out more?
You can email us at hello@vivamus.me or call or WhatsApp us on 058 506 4243 to book an initial session with one of our psychologists. In this session, you can discuss your concerns and why you are considering an assessment.
The psychologist will then be able to guide you on whether a cognitive assessment is suitable or suggest other next steps. You can also read more about cognitive assessments in Dubai here.