Cognitive Assessments (IQ Testing)
in Alexandria, VA
Stand-Alone Cognitive Evaluations for School Entry, Gifted Placement, & Personal Insight
There are many reasons why you might be seeking a stand-alone IQ test for yourself or your child. You may be looking for testing to meet private school admissions requirements or apply for talented and gifted programs. Alternatively, you may be seeking greater insight into your or your child’s cognitive strengths and growth edges. Whatever the reason, a stand-alone cognitive assessment can provide objective information quickly, allowing you to take the next step in supporting your child or in your own journey of self-discovery.
In contrast to a comprehensive assessment, where the goal is to identify or rule out common diagnoses such as ADHD and/or learning disorders, a stand-alone IQ test strictly measures one’s intellectual abilities, providing a snapshot of cognitive functioning.
Areas of intellectual functioning measured by IQ tests include:
Verbal Comprehension - the ability to access, apply, and express acquired word knowledge
Visual Spatial - the ability to perceive visual details, understand spatial relationships, and physically or mentally manipulate visual information
Fluid Reasoning - inductive reasoning, quantitative reasoning, nonverbal abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, the identification and application of rules, and the application of logic to solve novel problems
Working Memory - the ability to receive, maintain, and manipulate auditory and/or visual information for immediate use
Processing Speed - nonverbal visual processing, sustained focus/attention, visual-motor speed, and decision speed
What Does an IQ Test Measure?
When is a Stand-Alone IQ Test Appropriate?
Private School Admissions - Many private schools require applicants to meet specific requirements and request an IQ test as part of the application package.
Gifted & Talented Program Qualification - Oftentimes schools and independent programs require documentation of a child’s cognitive profile in order to qualify for advanced academic tracks or enrichment programs.
General Information & Personal Insight - Curiosity about your or your child’s cognitive profile, baseline intellectual abilities, and/or strengths and growth edges.
In cases of suspected ADHD or learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia), a comprehensive assessment may be recommended instead of a stand-alone IQ test. For more information on comprehensive assessments, click here.
The Wechsler IQ tests are the gold-standard in the individual, standardized assessment of cognitive abilities. I offer:
WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition) - Developed for children and adolescents (ages 6-16). Commonly used for independent school applications, advanced academic placement, and gifted program identification.
WAIS-5 (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fifth Edition) - Developed for individuals aged 16-90. Ideal for older students, adults seeking insight into their own cognitive profile, or when required for admission into specific programs.
Which IQ Tests Do You Offer?
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WISC-V or WAIS-5: $750
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Before your first appointment:
You will receive paperwork to complete electronically, including intake forms and relevant consent documents. Please complete these at least 48 hours before your evaluation when possible.
Plan for a 2-hour testing session. Exact time of testing may vary depending on the examinee and the number of breaks required.
During your testing appointment:
I will administer tasks interactively using a combination of digital (a practice-provided iPad) and physical materials (e.g., blocks, paper and pencil). Some tasks require verbal responses, while others require selecting a multiple-choice response or writing.
Breaks are provided as needed and at natural stopping points. If a child is being tested, shorter, more frequent breaks are typical. Snacks and a brief walk can help if fatigue arises.
After testing:
Stand-alone cognitive assessment reports are generally completed within a week of the testing date.
When you receive the report, I will provide some available times to meet for a virtual feedback appointment. This meeting is meant to be an opportunity to review the assessment results, answer questions, and discuss any relevant recommendations.
Tips for success:
Remember that this testing is meant to reflect the examinee’s current functioning in order to provide an objective overview of strengths, growth edges, and areas of concern. There is no need to do anything to try to improve performance, as this could impact the validity of the results.
When framing these appointments to your child, try not to use the words “test” or “assessment.” Kids often respond best to testing when it is framed as activities or games.
If you have questions, need to reschedule, or are running late, please let me know as soon as possible to ensure a smooth testing process.
