Cognitive testing is a structured, evidence-based evaluation used to assess core brain functions such as attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning. These assessments offer clear, objective insight into how an individual thinks, learns, and solves problems—making them a valuable tool for educational planning, workplace accommodations, diagnostic clarification, and broader clinical treatment decisions. Cognitive testing helps uncover patterns that may not be visible through observation alone.
Dr. Howe, a licensed clinical psychologist, provides personalized cognitive evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults across various referral needs. Her approach is both compassionate and scientifically grounded, ensuring each assessment is tailored to the client’s goals, learning history, and developmental stage. Every evaluation is conducted with professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and clinical accuracy to support well-informed next steps for schools, employers, families, or healthcare teams involved in the individual’s care.
Cognitive testing refers to the use of standardized psychological assessments that evaluate key mental functions such as working memory, processing speed, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. These tests are designed not to measure what someone has learned in school, but rather how efficiently and accurately they take in, process, and apply new information in various situations.
This type of evaluation plays a vital role in identifying or clarifying concerns related to attention, executive function, and overall cognitive health. It is commonly used to assess for conditions such as ADHD, learning disorders, concussion-related difficulties, or age-related cognitive decline. Dr. Savana Howe uses nationally recognized, evidence-based tools—including the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and NEPSY—to deliver results that are both accurate and meaningful for educational, clinical, or occupational use.
Cognitive testing helps distinguish between various conditions—such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, or learning disorders—that may produce overlapping symptoms. A clear diagnosis ensures individuals receive the most appropriate treatment and support.
Understanding cognitive strengths and challenges can guide personalized strategies for success in school or work environments. Testing results can inform individualized education plans (IEPs), 504 accommodations, or workplace interventions.
A cognitive evaluation establishes a clear starting point for brain functioning. This is especially valuable for monitoring cognitive changes over time due to injury, illness, aging, or neurological conditions.
Formal cognitive testing provides the objective documentation often required to access support services, such as special education programs, disability accommodations, or vocational rehabilitation resources.
A cognitive test typically includes a variety of tasks designed to assess different areas of cognitive functioning. These can include:
Dr. Howe’s cognitive testing process is designed to be comprehensive, respectful, and individualized. Each step is focused on gathering accurate, meaningful insights into how the brain functions—providing clarity for clients, families, and referring professionals. The process is conducted in a supportive environment and tailored to the client’s age, goals, and areas of concern.
The process begins with a one-on-one consultation to review the client’s background, current challenges, and specific reasons for referral. This step ensures the evaluation is appropriately targeted and aligned with the individual’s needs.
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Standardized cognitive assessments are administered in a quiet, structured setting. These one-on-one sessions typically last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on age, stamina, and referral requirements. The environment is designed to promote comfort and focus.
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Dr. Howe carefully scores the assessments using age-normed and clinically validated tools. Results are interpreted to identify patterns in attention, memory, executive function, processing speed, and other areas relevant to cognitive performance.
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A detailed, reader-friendly report is prepared, summarizing test findings, key insights, and recommended next steps. Dr. Howe meets with the client (or parent/guardian) to review results, explain implications, and answer any questions related to diagnosis, support options, or accommodations.
Dr. Savana Howe is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological testing and evaluation. She offers in-depth assessments for a wide range of needs, including ADHD, Autism, learning challenges, giftedness, cognitive functioning, court-ordered evaluations, and fitness-for-duty exams.
Her reports are known for being clear, thorough, and practical—helping clients, families, and professionals better understand their situation. Whether it’s for diagnosis, school or job accommodations, or legal questions, Dr. Howe tailors every evaluation to the person and situation. She has experience working in courts, aviation, healthcare settings, and schools, and always brings cultural awareness and clinical care to the process.
Alongside testing, Dr. Howe also provides therapy for people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life changes. Her approach is warm and collaborative, focused on helping people feel heard, understood, and supported.
Once cognitive testing is completed, Dr. Howe carefully reviews all data to create a clear, accurate understanding of how the individual functions across various cognitive domains. The final report is designed to be practical, easy to understand, and clinically meaningful.
Summarizes overall cognitive ability and highlights specific domains like verbal comprehension, working memory, and processing speed, providing a broad view of mental strengths and weaknesses.
Breaks down performance in key areas such as attention, memory, reasoning, and executive functioning, offering insights into real-life challenges and strengths.
Results are compared to age-appropriate normative data, helping identify whether performance falls within expected, above-average, or below-average ranges.
Connects test performance to everyday tasks—such as academic work, job duties, or daily decision-making—to help explain how cognitive strengths and challenges may appear in real life.
The report includes clear, actionable suggestions for school, work, or clinical support. This may involve accommodations, referrals, or strategies to optimize cognitive performance.
Contact Dr. Howe today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and begin your journey toward better mental health.
Not exactly. While IQ testing focuses on providing a single score representing general intellectual ability, cognitive testing offers a broader and more detailed profile of specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses. It examines how well different mental processes work individually and together, offering a more comprehensive picture of a person’s overall cognitive functioning.
Individuals experiencing memory issues, difficulty concentrating, language problems, or changes in problem-solving abilities may benefit from cognitive assessments. It’s also useful for evaluating learning difficulties or monitoring cognitive changes over time.
Cognitive tests are non-invasive and safe. Some individuals may feel anxious about their performance, but it’s important to remember that the goal is to understand cognitive functioning to provide appropriate support.
Yes, cognitive test results are confidential and shared only with individuals or entities you authorize, such as healthcare providers or educational institutions, in compliance with privacy laws.
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