Cognitive Assessment
A cognitive assessment is an objective and multi-dimensional measure of a person’s level of cognitive ability.
Memory, attention, concentration, planning, problem solving, inhibition, psychomotor speed and flexibility.
Cognitive assessments provide valuable insight into an individuals cognitive performance levels and serve as a baseline measure for tailored therapy plans.
Cognitive assessments are essential to effectively support any cognitive rehabilitation therapy service and may also form part of other standard assessment services.
When is a Cognitive Assessment needed?
Cognitive assessment with an Occupational Therapist – is a specialised service.
If you are diagnosed with a medical condition or experience trauma to the brain (brain injury). Experience changes in your cognitive abilities, notice a cognitive decline or ongoing impairment.
Why is it needed?
When a thorough clinical, objective and evidence informed assessment is needed for your health care and planning needs.
Cognitive assessments provide an evidenced, baseline measure of functional cognition and are integral to rehabilitation therapy and planning.
Cognitive gains can be clinically and functionally measured during the course of rehabilitation therapy.
The role of Occupational therapy
Occupational Therapists (OTs) play a key, clinical role in cognitive rehabilitation, supporting individuals to recover, adapt, or compensate for changes in cognitive functioning due to injury, illness, or neurologically impaired conditions.
The goal is to maximise one’s ability to participate in daily activities, improve independence, increase resilience and enhance quality of life and living.
What can I expect?
Depending on diagnosis, needs, goals and level of function.
Information gathering
We’ll take a look at your medical, developmental, educational, functional and psychosocial history.
We may ask about everyday functioning, changes noticed or address specific areas of difficulty (physical, cognitive, everyday tasks).
With your consent, we may liaise with your family, carers, or support workers – the experts in your daily life.
During the Assessment
Sessions usually last 1 to 2 hours, and potentially over multiple visits.
You’ll be encouraged to do your best, but it’s not a “test to see if you pass or fail”-it helps us to know how we can best support you.
Assessments
You may be asked to complete formal cognitive tests or questionnaires to objectively measure cognitive skill levels.
Clinical observation, practical and interactive tasks may also form part of the assessment.
Inclusion
You and your family/support persons may fill in questionnaires or rating scales about cognitive changes they have noticed and how these have impacted you.
Task review
The OT may assess how cognitive impairments can impact your ability to perform meaningful, everyday, tasks.
For example: how you cook a meal, manage dressing or medications, transport/travel, care for others.
We may use checklists, interviews, Standardised assessment protocols or observe you to perform meaningful, functional tasks.
Discussion
The OT will typically discuss initial findings with you, answer any questions, and explain what the assessment results mean.
Strengths, challenges, possible strategies and supports are identified and shared with you.
Observation
Observation when performing tasks enables the OT to note any visible difficulties (e.g., attention lapses, organisational problems, communication issues).
This helps us to know what we can do to help.
Next Steps
Based on assessment results, your budget, goals and needs, a tailored therapy plan and recommendations can be prescribed for you, ongoing therapy can be provided and referrals to other services as needed.
Helping you understand what is happening and why.
