Cognitive and IQ Assessments
Vivien Suttner provides comprehensive cognitive assessments - sometimes referred to as IQ assessments or intelligence testing - for children, adolescents and adults. These assessments build a detailed picture of how a person thinks, reasons, learns and processes information across a range of cognitive domains.
Whether the concern is a person seeking to understand their own learning profile, a parent trying to understand why their child is not reaching their potential at school, or concerns about attention, memory, or overall intellectual functioning, a cognitive assessment provides an evidence-based profile of intellectual strengths and areas where additional support may be helpful.
Assessments are conducted at the Newtown clinic in Sydney's Inner West, with telehealth available for clients across NSW. Vivien sees clients from the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Parramatta, Western Sydney and greater Sydney.
A cognitive assessment is often helpful for:
Understanding unexplained learning difficulties or academic underachievement.
Assessing for giftedness or high intellectual ability.
Identifying specific learning disorders such as dyslexia or other learning disabilities.
Contributing a cognitive profile to an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD assessment.
Understanding cognitive strengths and relative weaknesses in detail.
Supporting applications for school learning support plans, educational adjustments or HSC special provisions.
Informing selective school or gifted program eligibility.
Clarifying intellectual functioning for NDIS access or disability support.
Monitoring cognitive changes over time.
Cognitive assessments at 360 Psychology use the Wechsler Scales of Intelligence, the most widely used and clinically validated series of IQ and cognitive tests available. Vivien selects the appropriate scale depending on age: the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) for adults, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) for school-aged children and adolescents, and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) for younger children.
Assessment involves standardised testing, clinical interpretation and a comprehensive written report detailing results across all domains tested, what they mean in practical terms, and clear recommendations for schools, families, treating professionals and other services, helping ensure that appropriate supports and strategies are put in place.
A comprehensive written report covering all cognitive domains assessed.
A clear explanation of what the results mean in accessible language.
Practical recommendations tailored to the individual's situation - for a school learning support plan, NDIS application, selective school entry, or further specialist assessment.
Guidance on sharing the report with a school, GP, or other treating professional.
Following the assessment you will receive:
Clinical Psychologist with Masters in Educational Psychology, Member of Australian Psychological Society, Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Meet Vivien Suttner
Vivien Suttner is a clinical psychologist with a Masters in Educational Psychology and over 25 years of experience in psychological assessment. Her specialist training in educational psychology gives her a particularly strong foundation in cognitive and educational assessment - understanding not just what results show, but what they mean for how a person learns, functions and can best be supported.
Reports are accepted by schools, GPs, paediatricians, NDIS providers and other treating professionals. Vivien's practice is located in Newtown and draws clients from the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Parramatta, Western Sydney and greater Sydney. Telehealth cognitive assessments are also available across NSW.
Vivien focuses on diagnostic accuracy, clarity and practical recommendations that are meaningful for families, schools, GPs and other professionals.
“Sometimes it’s just as important for people to know what ADHD isn’t. It isn’t bad behaviour or ‘naughtiness’. It isn’t ‘not caring' or ‘being lazy’. It’s not low intelligence. Purely and simply, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder - it’s not a choice. People with ADHD can absolutely thrive, with the right treatment - but it’s difficult to adapt if you don’t know what’s going on.”
Vivien Suttner, Principal Psychologist
Send an enquiry or book a Cognitive Assessment
To discuss whether a psychological assessment is appropriate, book an assessment or to make a referral, please complete this form and Vivien will be in touch.