Cognitive tests are used to assess an individual's intellectual abilities. Testing can be done for many reasons, which might include: wanting to identify a potential cognitive impairment, or to recognize giftedness. Cognitive tests can be performed on both children and adults. With children, cognitive testing is typically recommended if cognitive impairment seems like a possibility for that child. Cognitive impairment might be suspected if a child has difficulty with recognizing common objects, paying attention, remembering things, following instructions, issues with problem solving, adjusting to new or different situations, or failing grades. For adults, cognitive testing may be used to help determine if a person meets criteria for an intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning. For older adults, cognitive testing can help assess memory recall abilities.

If a person is intellectually impaired, cognitive testing can be used to aid in the diagnosing of such conditions as: intellectual disability, learning disorders, or neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Test results can also inform and influence the development of personalized education plans and interventions, in the school setting, in order to support kids with cognitive challenges. For adults, test results may help determine if a person is eligible for certain types of support services. 

When utilizing cognitive testing for giftedness, it helps identify exceptional intellectual potential in individuals. It can provide insights into a person's cognitive strengths and areas of giftedness, which can be used to tailor educational programs to their specific needs, and to support their cognitive development. Test results can also help in identifying opportunities for advanced or accelerated learning, as well as access to specialized educational resources, placement, and programs.

Cognitive testing generally involves a comprehensive assessment of various cognitive domains, such as verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Cognitive tests will generally provide a full-scale IQ score, which is a measurement of an individual’s overall cognitive ability, based on the person’s performance.  Cognitive test results will also typically provide a general abilities score, which estimates the general intellectual ability of the person being tested. These assessments are conducted through standardized tests administered by qualified professionals, such as psychologists, neuropsychologists, and/or psychometrists supervised by a psychologist. Examples of some of the more common cognitive tests used at Integral Psychological Services include: the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 5th edition (WISC-V), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales, 4th edition, (WAIS-VI), and the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, 2 NU (KABC-II). 

The results of cognitive testing can provide a detailed profile of an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses, which can inform clinical diagnoses, educational planning, and interventions to support a person’s cognitive development. It is important to note that cognitive testing is just one part of a comprehensive assessment process. Cognitive testing is often times used in conjunction with other psychological assessments, observations, clinical history, and contextual information to form a well-rounded understanding of an individual's cognitive abilities and needs. In addition, cultural and language diversity, as well as individual differences in learning and processing styles, are considered. This is to ensure that the overall assessment outcomes accurately reflect the individual's abilities and challenges. 

In essence, cognitive testing for intellectual impairment or giftedness serves as a valuable tool for understanding and supporting individuals with diverse cognitive profiles. When administered with the appropriate expertise, cognitive testing can contribute to more accurate diagnosis, personalized educational planning, and tailored supports for individuals.