Your Positive Path · Cognitive Assessments Melbourne

Cognitive Assessments

Helping children understand their strengths, challenges, and learning needs.
Every child learns differently. If your child is experiencing difficulties with attention, memory, learning, processing information, or school performance, a cognitive assessment can provide valuable insights into how they think, learn, and engage with the world.

At Your Positive Path, we provide comprehensive cognitive assessments for children aged 6 to 16 years. Our assessments help families gain a clearer understanding of their child’s cognitive profile and identify practical strategies to support learning, development, and wellbeing.

What Is a Cognitive Assessment?

Understanding How Your Child Learns

A cognitive assessment is a structured evaluation that explores how a child processes information, solves problems, remembers information, concentrates, and learns new skills.

These assessments provide a detailed picture of a child’s cognitive strengths and areas where additional support may be beneficial.

Areas commonly assessed include:

Attention and concentration
Working memory
Verbal reasoning
Visual reasoning
Processing speed
Problem-solving skills
Learning strengths
Academic readiness

The results can help parents, educators, and support professionals make informed decisions about learning support and future planning.

Who Can Benefit?

When an Assessment May Be Helpful

Many families come to us because something feels “off” but they can’t put their finger on it. Others have had concerns raised by a teacher, or they’ve watched their child try hard without seeing the results they’d expect. A cognitive assessment helps make sense of that.

Struggling at school

Working hard but still falling behind, or performing inconsistently across subjects.

Suspected learning difficulties

Difficulty with reading, writing, spelling, or maths that doesn't match their effort or verbal ability.

Attention & focus concerns

Can't sit still, easily distracted, forgets instructions, or rushes through work without checking.

Starting school soon

Wanting to understand if your child is developmentally ready for Prep or Grade 1.

High ability or twice exceptional

Gifted children who also have learning or attention differences often need a different kind of support.

Anxiety about school

When learning challenges are driving avoidance, low self-esteem, or school refusal.

Attention & Memory Assessments

Understanding Focus, Concentration and Working Memory

Anxiety can affect your thoughts, emotions, relationships, work, education, and overall wellbeing. It may present as racing thoughts, excessive worry, panic attacks, avoidance behaviours, social anxiety, or ongoing feelings of tension and overwhelm.

Our assessments explore:

These insights can help determine whether additional support strategies or further assessment may be beneficial.

What a diagnosis actually gives you

A formal ADHD assessment isn’t just a label. It opens doors to real support:

Learning Difficulties Assessment

Identifying Learning Strengths and Challenges

Depression affects everyone differently. Some people experience persistent sadness, while others struggle with low motivation, fatigue, irritability, or feeling disconnected from the things they once enjoyed.

Our learning assessments help identify challenges that may impact:

Understanding a child’s learning profile helps create more effective support strategies both at home and at school.

Did you know?

Around 1 in 10 Australians has dyslexia, making it one of the most common learning differences. Many remain unidentified for years, sometimes well into adulthood.

Early identification can make a significant difference. Children who receive targeted support in primary school often experience better long-term outcomes in literacy and confidence.

A written report from our assessment can be shared with your child’s school to help support an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

School Readiness Assessment

Supporting a Positive Start to Learning

School readiness involves more than academic skills. It includes attention, communication, emotional regulation, social development, and the ability to participate successfully in a structured learning environment.

A school readiness assessment can provide valuable information about:

Learning preparedness
Attention and concentration skills
Communication abilities
Social and emotional development
Cognitive functioning
Areas requiring additional support

This information can help families prepare children for a successful transition into school.

Parents often ask us

“Should we hold our child back a year?”

Our assessment gives you evidence to make this call confidently, rather than guessing.

“How do we prepare them for the transition?”

We provide practical strategies tailored to your child’s profile.

“Can we share results with the school?”

Yes — your written report is yours to share with teachers, kindy, or any other professional involved in your child’s care.

What Happens During an Assessment?

What to Expect

We understand that assessments can feel unfamiliar for both children and parents. Our process is designed to be supportive, professional, and child-friendly.

1 Initial consultation (parent/carer)

Before we meet your child, we spend time with you. We want to understand your concerns, your child’s history, what you’ve already tried, and what you’re hoping to find out. This shapes the assessment.

~45 minutes · Phone or in-person

2 Assessment sessions with your child

Your child completes a series of age-appropriate activities and tasks designed to evaluate different areas of cognitive functioning. Our psychologists are experienced at keeping children comfortable and engaged throughout.

2–3 hours total · Split as needed

3 Rating scales and background information

We ask parents and often teachers to complete structured rating scales about your child’s behaviour, attention, and learning at home and school. This gives us a fuller picture beyond what we can observe in a clinical setting.

Completed before or between sessions

4 Written report and feedback session

Once the assessment is scored and interpreted, we write a detailed report covering your child’s cognitive profile, any diagnoses where relevant, and clear recommendations for home, school, and ongoing support. We then walk you through it in a feedback session.

Report delivered within 2–3 weeks

Common questions about therapy at Your Positive Path

Frequently Asked Questions

What age children do you assess?

We provide cognitive assessments for children aged 6 to 16 years.

Can a cognitive assessment help identify ADHD?

A cognitive assessment can provide valuable information about attention, memory, executive functioning, and learning patterns. It may contribute to understanding ADHD-related concerns as part of a broader assessment process.

How long does a cognitive assessment take?

Assessment times vary depending on the child’s age, needs, and assessment goals. We will discuss expected timeframes during the initial consultation.

Will I receive a report?

Yes. Families receive feedback and recommendations following the assessment process.

Can cognitive assessments support school planning?

Yes. Assessment findings can help families and educators better understand learning needs and develop appropriate support strategies.

Ready to Learn More About Your Child's Strengths?

Understanding how your child learns can open the door to more effective support, greater confidence, and improved outcomes both at school and at home.

Speak with our team today to discuss whether a cognitive assessment may be right for your child.