Cognitive Deficits (cont.)

Medical Author:

Georgina Peacock, MD

Medical Editor:

Elizabeth A Finley-Belgrad, MD

Medical Editor:

Mary L Windle, PharmD

Medical Editor:

Cynthia R Ellis, MDr

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Exams and Tests

A psychologist is able to diagnose a cognitive deficit by conducting series of tests that assess the cognitive development of the child.

• IQ (intelligence quotient) test: IQ tests typically include an assessment of memory, language development, problem solving, spatial ability, visual-motor skills, and mathematic reasoning. A test of intelligence does not produce a stable result until a child is six to eight years of age; cognitive tests can be administered prior to this time, but the scores should be interpreted with caution as the scores may change with age.

• Bayley Scales of Infant Development: This test might be used to assess development in infants.

• Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale or the revised Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-R): These tests may be used to assess cognitive ability in preschoolers.

• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV): This intelligence test is most commonly used to assess cognitive development in school-aged children.

In addition to cognitive testing, an assessment of adaptive function is necessary. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales measure a child's level of independent functioning, providing a percentile score that compares the child to other children of similar age.

In addition to cognitive and adaptive function tests, a doctor might recommend a medical evaluation. This may include hearing and vision tests and lab tests, such as a blood lead level test, a screening for thyroid function, a high-resolution chromosome analysis, a DNA probe for fragile X syndrome, or all of the above. An MRI of the brain may be necessary to look for differences in the brain that might help explain a cognitive deficit. Sometimes, a consultation with a geneticist might be helpful to determine if the child has a genetic syndrome and, if so, to help in family planning.