Tests Used
Dr Dyer uses only the industry gold-standard tests and assessments in order to secure the best quality and most robust evidence of a child’s needs.
For a full cognitive assessment, Dr Dyer uses the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (4th Edition), known as the ‘WISC –IV’. This provides information about a child’s cognitive performance and gives a variety of information including an IQ score.
In addition to this, where there is a suspicion of a learning difficulty – including Dyslexia, Dr Dyer conducts a Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (2nd Edition), known as the ‘WIAT –II’. The results secured from this test reveal whether there is a discrepancy between the child’s IQ score – what they are capable of or expected to achieve,- and what they are actually achieving. This discrepancy gives clues to the presence of, for example, Specific Learning Difficulties like Dyslexia.
Dyslexia-specific assessments are also conducted where there is a need for a clear and unequivocal diagnosis. These assessments include the Test of Word Reading Efficiency, (TOWRE) and the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP).
Where Clients require confirmation or diagnosis of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, the GARS and GADS tests are undertaken, together with direct observation and assessment of the child according to the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Any diagnosis given would be subject to confirmation also by an Independent Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Specialist Speech and Language Therapist.
Where there is a suspicion of an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or Conduct Disorder/Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Dr Dyer uses the Connors 3 test to supplement observations and assessment in the home and school according to the DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria.
For young children between 2 and 4 years with developmental disorders and learning difficulties, the Bayley Scales are used as the primary assessment tool.
For the assessment of children and young people with severe learning difficulties associated with Autism, Dr Dyer uses the Psycho-Educational Profile 3 assessment kit (the PEP-3R).