Psychological & IQ Assessments

Psychological testing or assessments may sound intimidating, but these tests are designed to help you and your child. Psychologists use tests and other assessment tools to measure and observe a child’s behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and more importantly, ensure that the appropriate interventions are carried out, in order to maximize efficacy. In many ways, psychological testing and assessment are similar to medical tests. If a child has physical symptoms, a primary care provider may order X-rays or blood tests to understand what’s causing those symptoms. The results of the tests will help inform develop a treatment plan. Psychological evaluations serve the same purpose. Psychologists use tests and other assessment tools to measure and observe a child’s behavior to arrive at a diagnosis and guide treatment. Psychologists administer tests and assessments for a wide variety of reasons. Children who are experiencing difficulties in school, for example, may undergo aptitude testing or tests for learning disabilities. The underlying cause of a child’s challenges is not always clear. For example, if a child is having trouble in school, does he/her have a reading problem such as dyslexia? An attention problem such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? or difficulty with impulse control? Psychological tests and assessments allow a psychologist to understand the nature of the problem, and to figure out the best way to go about addressing the issue.

Tests and assessments are two separate but related components of a psychological evaluation. Psychologists use both types of tools to help them arrive at a diagnosis and a treatment plan. Testing involves the use of formal tests such as questionnaires or checklists. These are often described as “norm-referenced” tests. That simply means the tests have been standardised so that test-takers are evaluated in a similar way, no matter where they live or who administers the test. A norm-referenced test of a child’s reading abilities, for example, may rank that child’s ability compared to other children of similar age or grade level. Norm-referenced tests have been developed and evaluated by researchers and proven to be effective for measuring a particular trait or disorder. A psychological assessment can include numerous components such as norm-referenced psychological tests, informal tests and surveys, interview information, school or medical records, medical evaluation, and observational data. A psychologist determines what information to use based on the specific questions being asked. For example, assessments can be used to determine if a child has a learning disorder or requires alternative educational placement.

Psychological tests are not one-size-fits-all. Psychologists pick and choose a specific set of assessments and tests for each individual child. And not just anyone can perform a psychological evaluation. Licensed psychologists (e.g., The Singapore Register of Psychologist (SRP) are expertly trained to administer assessments and tests and interpret the results. In many cases, psychologists who administer tests will then propose appropriate recommendations and interventions for children. At times, psychologists may refer them to other specialists for treatment after they have made a diagnosis. In either case, the testing and assessment process will help ensure that the child receives a plan that is tailored to his or her individual needs.