Cognitive Assessments

es, as a Clinical Psychologist, I can carry out a comprehensive cognitive assessment to determine whether a person meets criteria for a learning disability (also known as an intellectual disability). This involves assessing intellectual functioning (such as reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding) alongside adaptive functioning (how well a person manages day-to-day activities).

A formal diagnosis is only made when both intellectual and adaptive functioning are significantly below average, and the difficulties have been present since childhood. The assessment process is always collaborative and sensitive, focusing on understanding strengths as well as areas of need.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things:

• A learning disability (or intellectual disability) refers to a global difficulty with learning and everyday functioning. It affects overall intellectual ability and is lifelong.

• A learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia, affects a specific area of learning rather than general intellectual ability. A person with a learning difficulty may have average or above-average intelligence but experience challenges in one particular area.
  

Understanding this distinction helps to ensure that assessment and support are tailored appropriately.

Both Clinical and Educational Psychologists are trained to assess learning, cognition, and emotional wellbeing, but they bring different perspectives and areas of focus.

• Educational Psychologists (EPs) usually work within schools or local authorities. Their assessments are often designed to inform educational planning and support, including contributions to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). These assessments tend to focus on how a child’s learning and behaviour present within the school environment. They sometimes, but may not always, include formal, standardised cognitive assessments, and they often have limited scope to explore the impact of emotional wellbeing, trauma, or mental health on learning.

• Clinical Psychologists are trained to understand the complex interaction between cognitive abilities, emotional wellbeing, mental health, neurodevelopmental differences, and life experiences such as trauma or attachment difficulties. My assessments provide a more holistic view, combining formal, standardised cognitive testing with a detailed exploration of emotional, developmental, and contextual factors that may influence learning and day-to-day functioning.

A report from a Clinical Psychologist can therefore offer a more in-depth understanding of why a child may be struggling, identifying both cognitive profiles and psychological factors that may affect progress. This information can complement an Educational Psychologist’s report and provide valuable evidence to inform an EHCP or tailored support plan.

I am based in Leeds. I currently meet with families in person at Drighlington Health Hub, just off

the M62/M621 near Ikea. I also offer appointments in Roundhay. I am able to visit children in

schools across Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale.

Making this service accessible to all is a priority for me. Please contact me to discuss

accessibility requirements and how I can accommodate these.