What is a nonverbal IQ assessment? 

Nonverbal IQ assessments provide a more valid measure of IQ for those aged between 5 and 21 years, who have limited understanding of or ability to communicate in English and are also suitable for those who are deaf, nonverbal/nonspeaking, or culturally and linguistically diverse.

All instructions and responses are provided without using spoken language, e.g., with gestures and pointing.

When to seek a nonverbal IQ assessment?

Children and young adults who are unable to communicate easily in spoken English language may face a range of challenges within an educational or workplace environment. Nonverbal IQ assessments provide a wealth of information about you, or your child's pattern of strengths and areas of support needs, to assist with seeking access to support services, gaining a deeper understanding, and to learn ways of supporting your child or young person.

Why choose Rosie Psychology for a nonverbal IQ assessment?

At Rosie Psychology, we have several psychologists trained in administering nonverbal IQ assessments.

We understand that the assessment process can be an overwhelming and confronting journey, particularly when it is difficult to communicate in spoken English language, and we work closely with the family to ensure that this is as smooth as possible.

What is involved in a nonverbal IQ assessment at Rosie Psychology?

Our standard nonverbal IQ assessment process includes:

• A single assessment session: this takes up to 90 minutes and includes a range of activities such as puzzles, pictures, and memory games.
• If you wish to include academic testing, we can discuss how to make this accessible for you or your child, for example, by using an interpreter.
• We obtain additional information from people who know you or your child well, for example allied health professionals and/or school staff. We will send them questionnaires, and on occasion seek additional information via email/phone calls.

At Rosie Psychology we use the Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test 2 along with other evidence-based assessment tools including the ABAS-3 or Vineland or WIAT-III.

After the diagnostic formulation, you will meet with your psychologist for a feedback appointment to discuss the outcome of the assessment and future recommendations. Regardless of the outcome of the diagnostic process, you will always be provided with a comprehensive report that includes individualised and detailed recommendations.

What information or diagnoses are possible from a nonverbal IQ assessment? 

The UNIT-2 provides measure of general intelligence and three foundational cognitive abilities - memory, fluid reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. It may be used to diagnose:

• Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD)
  • To diagnose an IDD we will also need to gather information about your child's adaptive skills. This involves an extra interview with you (the parent or carer) and an extra questionnaire for your child's teacher.
• Giftedness
  • If your child reaches a certain threshold of intellectual ability, they may be considered 'gifted'. While this is not a diagnosable label, it can be a useful way to conceptualise clever cookies and ensure they are being adequately extended and supported at school.
• No diagnosis at all!
  • If you get no diagnosis from this assessment, you will still receive a wealth of information on your child's pattern of strengths and areas of support. We provide extensive recommendations as to how best to support your child regardless of whether or not we make a diagnosis.

FAQ:

• Can I attend my child's session?
  • Standard testing protocols do not allow a parent to be in the room while completing cognitive or academic testing and it is our preference that children/adolescents complete the assessment without anyone else present.
  • If your child/adolescent is anxious, we will spend time with you and them, usually chatting or playing a game (e.g., Uno) before the assessment begins, until they do feel comfortable.
  • Under some circumstances (e.g., for cultural reasons) we will proceed with the assessment with you in the room. You will be asked to sit to the side, read a book (or something similar) and are asked not to engage with your child/adolescent while they are being assessed. You will be able to discuss this in your intake session with your psychologist.
• My child/adolescent typically takes medication. Should I mediate them on their assessment day?
  • Absolutely, in fact this is essential! We need to see your child/adolescent's 'best' ability when assessing cognitive ability and/or academic skills. In most cases, we cannot reassess your child/adolescent within around a two-year time frame.
• Do I receive a Medicare rebate?
  • In most cases, Medicare rebates are not available for an IQ assessment.
  • If your child is diagnosed with certain disabilities then their assessment may attract a Medicare rebate, if referred by an appropriate medical practitioner. More information may be obtained from: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-items-for-complex-neurodevelopmental-disorders-and-eligible-disabilities