Do I Need Cognitive Testing with my ADHD or Autism Assessment? Understanding the Benefits and Considerations
Do I Need Cognitive Testing?
If you’re seeking an assessment for ADHD or Autism, you might have been told about the option of adding cognitive testing (sometimes called a neuropsychological assessment) to your evaluation. In my clinic, I offer both pathways - assessments with and without cognitive testing - because not everyone needs or wants it.
So how do you know if it’s the right choice for you? Let’s look at what cognitive testing involves, what it can add to the process, and some things to consider before deciding.
What Cognitive Testing Is – and Isn’t
Cognitive testing is a structured way to measure different aspects of thinking and learning, such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and processing speed. It can help us better understand your unique cognitive profile - your strengths, challenges, and how these might interact with daily life.
It’s important to know that cognitive testing is not diagnostic of ADHD or Autism. Those diagnoses are based on developmental history, current challenges, and how these impact your functioning. However, cognitive testing can add valuable context and help us build a more complete picture.
For a deeper look at what’s involved in a full neuropsychological assessment, you might like to read my other post:
👉 Understanding Neuropsychological Assessment: 10 Common Questions
Potential Benefits of Adding Cognitive Testing
1. A clearer understanding of your thinking profile
Cognitive testing can highlight specific strengths (e.g. visual learning, verbal reasoning) and challenges (e.g. working memory, processing speed) that might be relevant to your daily life, education, or work.
2. Identifying overlapping or contributing factors
Sometimes difficulties that look like ADHD or Autism may be influenced by other factors, such as a learning disorder, memory changes, or the effects of anxiety or depression. Cognitive testing can help tease these apart.
3. Tailored recommendations
By understanding your cognitive strengths and weaknesses, we can make more targeted recommendations; whether that’s strategies for managing tasks, workplace accommodations, or therapy approaches.
4. A baseline for the future
For some people, having a baseline cognitive profile can be helpful for future comparison, especially if you have a neurological condition or other health concerns.
Possible Drawbacks or Considerations
1. Extra time and cost
Cognitive testing adds additional hours to the assessment process and can increase the overall fee. In my clinic, ADHD/Autism assessments that include cognitive testing take longer and may require an additional session.
2. Not always essential
If your main goal is to confirm or rule out ADHD or Autism, and there are no other concerns about learning, memory, or broader thinking skills, you may prefer to proceed without cognitive testing.
3. Testing is only one part of the picture
A cognitive test score doesn’t define you or your abilities - it’s just one source of information we use to understand your experiences.
How to Decide
It’s best to think about whether cognitive testing is right for you before booking your assessment. If there are signs of other cognitive issues, such as memory problems, attention or processing difficulties, or suspected learning disorders, then adding cognitive testing is often recommended. If your main concern is ADHD or Autism and there are no broader thinking difficulties, you may feel comfortable proceeding without it.
When deciding, consider:
• Are you curious about your broader thinking skills (memory, attention, problem-solving) as well as ADHD or autism?
• Have you noticed changes in memory, attention, problem-solving, or language that you’d like to explore?
• Do you have a history of learning difficulties or neurological conditions?
• Would a detailed cognitive profile help with workplace, educational, or NDIS supports?
Taking time to reflect on your goals now will help ensure we choose the most suitable pathway, and make sure you get the most relevant answers from your assessment.
If you do choose to include cognitive testing, my post How to Prepare for a Neuropsychological Assessment will guide you through what to expect and how to feel comfortable on the day.
Final Thoughts
Cognitive testing isn’t a required part of every ADHD or Autism assessment, but it can add depth and clarity for many people. The decision comes down to your individual situation, questions, and needs.
If you’re considering an ADHD or Autism assessment and aren’t sure whether to include cognitive testing, we can discuss the options together and choose the pathway that’s right for you. Reach out via my contact form to ask questions or book your assessment pathway.