What is an intellectual disability?
“Learning disability” and “intellectual disability” mean the same thing – the terminology has simply changed over time.
An intellectual disability is a lifelong condition involving a significantly reduced ability to understand complex or new information, learn new skills, and cope independently. It can make everyday activities harder to manage – for example, organising and planning your day, managing finances, or understanding social relationships. It starts before birth or in early childhood, and has a lasting impact on development. People with an intellectual disability may need more time and support to learn new information and develop new skills.
An intellectual disability can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound – the level of support someone needs depends on where they sit on this range.
This is different to a learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, which doesn’t affect general intellectual functioning.
Stage 1: gathering background information
The first stage involves meeting with a Psychologist to gather background information. It helps to share any relevant insights from health or care providers who’ve previously discussed the possibility of an assessment with you or your child.
Stage 2: cognitive assessment
Our assessment team uses the Wechsler intelligence scales, giving a full cognitive profile of strengths and difficulties, including:
- Verbal comprehension
- Visual-spatial ability
- Fluid reasoning
- Working memory
- Processing speed
- Quantitative reasoning
- Auditory working memory
- Non-verbal ability
- General ability (IQ)
- Cognitive proficiency
Stage 3: assessing everyday skills
You (or your child) will also meet with the clinician to assess adaptive functioning – your strengths and difficulties across everyday activities such as cooking, self-care, and getting dressed. This uses a standardised assessment tool alongside clinical interviewing.
We’ll also gather information from someone who knows you or your child well.
Your feedback appointment
Once all the information has been gathered, our team meets to discuss the assessment together, then arranges a feedback appointment to share the outcome with you.
At this appointment, your Psychologist will let you know whether you (or your child) meet the diagnostic criteria for an Intellectual Disability, using the internationally recognised DSM-5 standard. A comprehensive written report follows, covering the assessment process and outcome.
Our Fees
£1250
Intellectual Disability Assessment
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FAQs
An intellectual disability (also known as a learning disability) is a lifelong condition that affects a person’s ability to understand new or complex information, learn new skills, and manage everyday tasks independently. It begins before birth or in early childhood and can vary in severity.
Assessments can be carried out at any stage of life. We offer assessments for children, young people, and adults.
The process includes an initial meeting to gather background information, a cognitive assessment using standardised tools, and an evaluation of everyday living skills. We also gather information from someone who knows you well. After this, we provide a feedback session and a detailed written report.
The full assessment costs £1250 and includes all stages of the process, as well as a comprehensive report and feedback session.
If you would like to book an appointment or assessment, please complete and submit a referral form. If you would like to get in contact for more information or advice please complete the form on our contact us page and we will be in touch as soon as possible.