PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT:

What is psychometric assessment?

Psychometric tests are a standard and scientific method used to measure individuals' mental
capabilities and behavioural style. Psychometric tests are standardised testing tools. This means that
the test has been developed to have uniformity in administration, scoring and interpretation.
Why psychometric assessments are significant?
Psychometric assessments are essential when we want a detailed understanding of an individual’s
capabilities, difficulties, personality, development and intellectual functioning. It helps us get clarity
on various issues and gives us a direction on planning an intervention. They are screening tools. Its
helpful to understand the severity and can help in diagnosis. But diagnosis cannot be always given on
basis of this.
When are they required?
To understand child’s strengths and weaknesses. Doctors suggest these assessments when symptoms
are overlapping, when symptoms are mild and need more clarity on it. Many time schools and various
institutions ask for these assessments so that they can give concessions to the child.
Who can perform these assessments?
A trained clinical psychologist, who has knowledge of these tests. How to use them, skills in scoring
and administration as well as report making and sharing. it is essential the practitioner have
appropriate skills for it.
Types of neurodevelopmental disorders
1. ASD- low social and communication skills, delay in milestones, restricted or repetitive behaviours
or interests, hyperactivity, inattention.
2. ADHD- inattentiveness and hyperactivity, making careless mistakes, constantly changing of tasks,
fidgeting, squirming, acting w/o thinking.
3. intellectual disabilities- delay in milestones, difficulty in problem solving, difficulty remembering
things, difficulty in adaptive functioning, difficulties in school.
4. specific learning disorder- difficulty reading, writing, understanding the meaning, difficulty with
numbers, spellings, academic skills not age appt.

Comorbidities:

Assessments:
CARS, ISAA, Vanderbilt adhd, conners adhd (parent rating, teacher rating and student rating),
WISC, BKT, VSMS, RPM, WRAT-5, VABS.
These tests are done in combination to understand various aspects of the conditions, and clarity
about the disorder. It can happen the child is facing various issues.
The process:
Assessments are done in paper and pencil format. The first step is meeting the parents and child. Few
demographic questions are asked regarding the child and a brief history is taken. Second step is
assessing the child. Third step includes a series of questions asked to parents and their answers are
noted down. On basis of those questions and answers the child is observed. Final step includes
making the report and discussing it. Recommendations are given accordingly.
IQ assessment is performed on child, questions or the tasks will be asked to the child.
Pros and cons of online and offline assessments:
Online assessment- pros

 Can be time saving

 Can be done anywhere
 Quick results
 Minimum or no costs
Online assessment- cons

 Not standardized and recognised tools

 Results are not accurate
 Lacks depth and clarity
 Discussion of problems and solutions cannot be done
Offline assessment- pros

 Standardised tools
 In depth history and observation can be done
 Accurate results
 Results and recommendations can be discussed in person
Offline assessment- cons

 Financial issues
 Time consuming
 Reports can take some time
 Finding a psychologist
It is suggested that the assessment should be done in person, so
Therapies suggested:

1. ABA, theory, what are the concepts, and how we teach it, why rapport is required, what happens in
rapport, why naturalistic setting, ethics