When a child — or an adult — comes in for a psychological evaluation, one of the first questions families ask is: what does the testing actually involve? The names of these instruments can sound technical and intimidating. But each one has a specific purpose, and understanding what they measure makes the process feel a lot less mysterious.
Here's a look at the tools Dr. Brinkley uses at Brinkley Psychology, organized by what they're designed to assess.
Cognitive and Intelligence Testing
Cognitive batteries measure how the brain processes information — things like reasoning, memory, and processing speed. These tests aren't about what a child has learned in school. They assess the underlying thinking abilities that make learning possible.
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V) is one of the most widely used cognitive assessments for school-age children. It breaks down intellectual functioning into five areas: verbal comprehension, visual-spatial reasoning, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. It's used with children ages 6 through 16 and is standard in most psychoeducational evaluations.
For younger children, the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) covers similar ground. It's normed for children as young as 2 years, 6 months, making it useful when there are early concerns about developmental delays or school readiness.
The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (KABC-II) and the Differential Ability Scales, Second Edition (DAS-II) are alternative cognitive batteries. The DAS-II is particularly well-suited for younger children or those who struggle with language, since some of its subtests minimize verbal demands. Having multiple tools available means Dr. Brinkley can select the one that gives the most accurate picture for that particular child.
Academic Achievement Testing
The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition (WIAT-4) measures what a child has actually learned: reading, writing, math, listening comprehension, and oral expression. It's typically administered alongside a cognitive battery to identify whether there's a meaningful gap between intellectual ability and academic performance — which is often the key indicator of a learning disability.
Autism-Specific Assessments
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) is the gold standard for autism observation. It's a structured, play-based interaction administered directly by a trained clinician. The child engages in activities designed to naturally draw out social communication behaviors — things like eye contact, joint attention, and reciprocal conversation. The ADOS-2 has different modules based on age and language level, from toddlers through adults.
The Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2) is a rating scale completed by parents, teachers, or others who know the individual well. It measures how someone responds socially across everyday settings — something an in-office observation alone can't fully capture. It adds important context to an autism evaluation by reflecting behavior across multiple environments.
Behavior and Emotional Functioning
The Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3) is completed by parents, teachers, and — for older children and teens — by the individual themselves. It covers attention and hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, withdrawal, aggression, and adaptive skills. This tool is included in nearly every type of evaluation because it captures everyday functioning in real-world settings, not just behavior in a testing room.
The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3) measures real-world adaptive skills: communication, daily living, socialization, and motor development. For young children, it helps identify developmental delays. For older children and adults, it provides a picture of independent functioning that's often critical for understanding the impact of a diagnosis and planning appropriate supports.
Neuropsychological and Developmental Tools
The NEPSY, Second Edition (NEPSY-II) is a neuropsychological battery covering a wide range of cognitive functions — attention, memory, language, sensorimotor ability, and social perception. It's especially useful for children with complex profiles or challenges that don't fit neatly into a single diagnostic category.
The Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing, Second Edition (CTOPP-2) assesses phonological awareness, phonological memory, and rapid naming — foundational skills closely tied to reading development. Weaknesses here are a strong indicator of dyslexia and related reading difficulties.
The Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, Sixth Edition (Beery VMI) looks at how well a child coordinates visual perception with fine motor control. Struggles with handwriting, drawing, and visual tracking often show up on this measure.
The Bracken School Readiness Assessment, Fourth Edition (Bracken-4) evaluates whether a young child has the basic concept knowledge expected for kindergarten entry: colors, letters, numbers, shapes, and similar foundations.
No Two Evaluations Look the Same
Dr. Brinkley selects tools based on each individual's specific concerns and goals. A 3-year-old being evaluated for autism will need a very different set of tests than a 10-year-old struggling with reading, or an adult seeking clarity about ADHD. The battery is built around the person — not the other way around.
The goal of every evaluation at Brinkley Psychology is to walk away with a genuine understanding of how someone thinks, learns, and functions. That picture is what makes the recommendations that follow actually useful.
If you're in the Richmond area and wondering whether an evaluation makes sense for your child or yourself, a good place to start is our Initial Consultation — a one-time meeting to talk through your concerns and figure out the right path forward.
