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In the field of psychological services, effective assessment is not just about labeling; it’s about uncovering strengths and challenges to provide a roadmap for growth, learning, and emotional well-being. At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services (RMPS) in Calgary, three cornerstone assessment tools—WIAT, BASC-3 / ABAS-3, and WISC-V—play a critical role in their psycho-educational evaluations. Together, they help psychologists, educators, and families develop a deep understanding of a child’s academic performance, behavioural health, and cognitive abilities.

What Is the WIAT (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test)?

The WIAT is a standardized achievement test that measures a student’s academic skills. It assesses areas such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, and mathematics.

At RMPS, the WIAT is administered by trained professionals to help clarify a child’s academic profile: where they are excelling, where they may be struggling, and what patterns emerge across different subject areas. This is especially useful when there is a concern that a child’s academic performance isn’t matching their apparent potential — for example, when their school grades don’t reflect their real cognitive abilities.

Some of the specific benefits of the WIAT include:

• Identification of Learning Disabilities: WIAT can help pinpoint gaps in academic achievement that may indicate conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or writing challenges.

• Educational Planning: Through a detailed breakdown of skill areas, the results guide the development of individualized education plans (IEPs) or interventions tailored to the student’s unique needs.

• Tracking Growth Over Time: Because achievement tests like the WIAT can be readministered, they provide a way to monitor progress and the effectiveness of interventions.

In RMPS’s training program, those learning to administer the WIAT benefit from expert guidance in both test delivery and interpretation. Their clinicians make sure testing is done sensitively, creating an environment where children feel comfortable and supported. 

The Role of BASC-3 and ABAS-3: Understanding Behaviour and Adaptive Skills

Beyond academics, understanding a child’s behaviour and daily functioning is equally important. RMPS offers training in BASC-3 (Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition) and ABAS-3 (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition) through its assessment programs. These tools provide a nuanced look at emotional, social, and adaptive functioning.

BASC-3 is a multi-method evaluation system that collects data from multiple perspectives — typically from the child, parents, and teachers. This triangulated approach helps clinicians build a comprehensive picture of behavioural strengths and challenges, measuring things like:

• Internalizing problems (e.g., anxiety, depression)

• Externalizing behaviours (e.g., aggression, hyperactivity)

• Adaptive skills (socialization, leadership)

• Self-perception and school behaviors

ABAS-3, on the other hand, focuses specifically on everyday life skills. It helps assess how well a person manages personal and social responsibilities — in areas such as self-care, communication, and community use. Through this assessment, psychologists can understand how a child functions in day-to-day settings and what kinds of supports might help them be more independent and successful.

At RMPS, their training course for administering and interpreting BASC-3 and ABAS-3 is led by experienced clinicians such as Tammy Thomson and Emma Donnelly, who bring decades of experience in child development, play therapy, and assessment. This ensures that the assessments are not just technically correct, but also developmentally sensitive and respectful of each child’s context.

By integrating BASC-3 and ABAS-3 data with academic achievement (WIAT) and cognitive ability (WISC-V), RMPS psychologists can create a holistic, person-centred profile — one that informs meaningful intervention planning, not just diagnosis.

WISC-V: Measuring Cognitive Abilities with Precision

The WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition) is one of the most widely used cognitive ability assessments for children aged 6 to 16 years. This test measures multiple domains of cognitive functioning, producing not only a Full-Scale IQ score but also five primary index scores:

1. Verbal Comprehension

2. Visual Spatial

3. Fluid Reasoning

4. Working Memory

5. Processing Speed

These different scores allow psychologists to dig deeper into a child’s thinking style — identifying cognitive strengths (for example, a very strong fluid reasoning index) or potential weaknesses (such as lower processing speed). These insights are vital when it comes to diagnosing learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or giftedness.

RMPS has a team of qualified professionals who are skilled in administering the WISC-V and interpreting its results. Their approach is not just about giving the test but using it as a springboard: they weave the WISC-V findings together with academic achievement (WIAT) and behavioral/adaptive data (BASC-3 / ABAS-3) to build a comprehensive profile.

How These Assessments Work in Practice at RMPS: An Integrated Approach

Putting it all together, RMPS uses a multidimensional framework for assessment:

1. Referral & Intake: A parent, teacher, or clinician refers a child to RMPS when there is a concern — academically, behaviourally, or socially.

2. Test Battery Design: Based on the referral, RMPS psychologists decide which assessments to use. For example:

   • If academic performance is the main concern → WIAT

   • If behaviour or emotional issues are present → BASC-3 / ABAS-3

   • If cognitive profile or learning potential is unclear → WISC-V

3. Administration: Trained assessors administer the chosen tests in a supportive, relaxed environment. This may include observations, test sessions, and rating scales from parents and teachers.

4. Scoring & Interpretation: After data collection, the psychologist analyzes results, looking for patterns, discrepancies, and meaningful insights.

5. Feedback & Recommendations: RMPS holds a feedback session with the child and family to explain results, strengths, challenges, and concrete recommendations. This may involve academic interventions, therapy, school accommodations, or behavior plans.

6. Ongoing Support: Based on the assessment, RMPS can help guide follow-up actions — monitoring progress, supporting IEP development, or connecting families with resources.

Why These Assessments Matter: The Impact on Children, Teens, and Families

• Clarity and Insight: Many families come to RMPS feeling uncertain — “Why is my child doing poorly even though they seem very bright?” or “Why does school feel so hard, even though they try so much?” Assessment helps lift the fog.

• Tailored Interventions: With clear data, interventions are no longer guesswork. Recommendations from RMPS are evidence-based, personalized, and relevant to real life.

• Empowerment: Knowing a child’s cognitive and academic profile builds confidence. Parents can advocate more effectively at school; teachers can adapt their instruction; children can understand themselves better.

• Long-term Growth: These assessments are not just for “now”—they provide a foundation for monitoring development, adjusting supports, and planning for the future.

Challenges & Ethical Considerations

Of course, assessment is not without its challenges. It requires time, emotional readiness, and sometimes financial resources. RMPS works hard to make the process smooth, respectful, and trauma-informed. Psychologists uphold ethical standards: maintaining test integrity, ensuring cultural sensitivity, and delivering feedback in a way that is constructive, not stigmatizing.

Additionally, assessments are not the end — they are a means to an end. The real work begins after testing, when insights translate into action: therapy, school planning, or daily life changes.

Conclusion

At Rocky Mountain Psychological Services, the use of WIAT, BASC-3 / ABAS-3, and WISC-V assessments is central to their commitment to rigorous, compassionate, and developmentally informed care. Rather than offering fragmented opinions, these tools help generate a coherent story of a child’s learning, cognition, and behaviour — one that can guide interventions, foster resilience, and pave the way for success.

Through their integrated approach, RMPS is not just identifying challenges; they are building strength, facilitating understanding, and helping young people and their families move forward with clarity and hope.