E Q U I L I B R I A
Child and Family Psychological Services
Formal Psychometric Assessment
This is the use of formal standardised tests to assess a child’s cognitive/intellectual functioning.
The tests not only give an overall IQ score for the child but more usefully identify areas of relative strength or weakness. This information may help in the understanding of presenting difficulties and can help in the decision-making process regarding the best way to help a child make positive progress.
A formal assessment of this type can provide useful information
- If a child is presenting with behavioural difficulties at school and/or home
- If there are issues relating to emotional development or self esteem.
- If a child’s school performance seems to be inconsistent with perceived level of
intelligence
The Process of Assessment
Formal psychometric assessment with the child may be only a part of the overall assessment process, which might also include collecting information from parents, teachers, other professionals and direct observation of the child at school.
The focus of the whole process is to assist in identifying the nature of the presenting issues and the underlying factors contributing to the development and maintenance of particular difficulties
Tests and Questionnaires
The Wechsler Primary and Pre-school Scale of Intelligence
(WPPSI-R)
A measure of intellectual abilities in young children.
The age range for this test is 2 years 6 months to 7 years 3 months.
The Wechsler Scale for Children
(WISC-IV) – UK
This test provides a measure of intellectual abilities in older children.
The age range for this test is 6 years to 16 years 11 months.
Single Word Reading Test
This test assesses word decoding for children aged from 6 years to 16 years. It does not assess reading comprehension. The score can be translated into a reading age – by comparison to children in a UK sample.
Single Word Spelling Test
This test assesses attainment in spelling for children from 5 years to 14 years. The score can be translated into a spelling age - by comparison to children in the UK sample.
Impact of Events Scale – Revised
This is a brief screening for children aged 8 and upwards to identify any symptoms, which might indicate a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
This is a brief behaviour screening questionnaire about 3-16 year olds. There are different versions for teachers, parents and for older children to complete themselves. The five scales include emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems and pro-social behaviour.
Family Relations Test: Children’s version
This test is used to explore the feelings and emotions a child has about him/herself and his/her family.
.........................