4/161 Aumuller St, Bungalow QLD[email protected]
NDIS Registered Provider

Cognitive Profile

Cognitive Assessment

Identify intellectual impairment or giftedness, and reveal the cognitive profile that explains how your child learns best.

Get in Touch
Child engaged with a colourful alphabet puzzle, exploring early learning
Children & Teens
WPPSI-IV / WISC-V / WAIS-IV
Reports in 2-3 Weeks
Comprehensive written report
Direct Booking
No referral required
Cairns Clinic
On-site assessment

About

About this Assessment

Our cognitive assessment confirms whether criteria for intellectual impairment is met and identifies the associated level (mild–profound) of impairment. Understanding your child’s cognitive profile and support needs helps guide effective strategies at home and school.

The assessment includes a direct cognitive measure (WPPSI-IV, WISC-V or WAIS-IV) and the Adaptive Behaviour Assessment System (ABAS-3). A full written report of results and recommendations is provided.

A follow-up appointment can be added to review the outcome and discuss steps moving forward, including any recommendations specific to psychological intervention.

Therapy room at Caterpillar Clinic in Cairns with comfortable seating for children and families

At a glance

Service summary

  • Format: Direct cognitive assessment + adaptive questionnaire
  • Duration: 1.5–2 hours direct + parent questionnaire
  • Report: 2-3 weeks after final session
  • Deposit: $200 non-refundable at booking
  • Follow-up: Optional results & planning session

The Process

What to Expect

A clear, supportive process from your first call through to the final written report.

1

Assessment Components

  • WPPSI-IV / WISC-V / WAIS-IV — Direct cognitive assessment (1.5–2 hours) measuring verbal, visual-spatial, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.
  • ABAS-3 — Parent-completed measure of everyday living skills and the impact of any cognitive differences.
2

Preparation

  • Ensure your child is well-rested and has eaten before the assessment.
  • Continue any regular medications at their normal time.
  • Send through previous reports from school, paediatrician, or other professionals.
3

Report & Follow-up

A comprehensive written report is provided within 2–3 weeks, including practical recommendations for home and school.

Reports must be paid in full before release. An optional follow-up session reviews outcomes and next steps.

Indicators

Who is this for?

A cognitive assessment may be helpful for children showing the patterns listed here, especially when teachers or caregivers are seeking clarity to plan supports.

  • Consistent struggle to learn new concepts at school despite extra support, with progress slower than expected for their age.
  • Ongoing difficulties with reasoning, problem-solving, memory, or understanding instructions noticed by teachers or caregivers.
  • Very uneven development across skills (e.g. strong verbal skills but weak problem-solving, or vice versa).
  • A history of developmental delays affecting learning or day-to-day independence.
  • A child appears to learn differently from peers and parents want clarity to guide support, school planning, or funding applications.
  • Signs of advanced ability — quick concept learning, complex language, or strong reasoning well above age expectations.
  • A child becomes bored, frustrated, or disengaged at school because work seems too easy or unchallenging.
  • Parents or teachers want to better understand the learning profile to plan supports, enrichment, or adjustments.

Access

Referrals & Booking

Cognitive assessments are not eligible for Medicare rebates. Direct bookings are welcome.

Direct Referral

Contact us directly to book — no referral required.

$200 non-refundable deposit at booking. See our Fees & Rebates page for full pricing.

Paediatrician or Psychiatrist Referral

If a paediatrician or psychiatrist has recommended a cognitive assessment, send the referral through with your booking.

Note: cognitive assessments are not Medicare-rebatable regardless of referral.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cognitive (IQ) assessment in Cairns — common questions.

What is a cognitive assessment?
A cognitive assessment measures thinking and reasoning abilities (IQ) using a Wechsler scale (WPPSI-IV, WISC-V or WAIS-IV). It shows how a person learns and can identify intellectual giftedness or impairment.
Why might my child need a cognitive assessment?
To understand learning strengths and challenges, support school planning, identify giftedness or intellectual disability, or as part of a broader diagnostic assessment.
Which test will be used?
We select the right Wechsler scale for the age: WPPSI-IV for younger children, WISC-V for school-aged children, and WAIS-IV for adults.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to book a cognitive assessment.
What do we receive afterwards?
A clear written report with scores, what they mean, and practical recommendations for home and school.

We're here for
your family.

Caterpillar Clinic specialises in diagnostic assessments and clinical interventions for children and adolescents in Cairns.

Call Us
07 4281 6886
[email protected]
4/161 Aumuller Street, Bungalow QLD 4870
Mon – Fri, 8:30am – 5:00pm
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NDIS Registered

Medicare Rebates

Ahpra Registered

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