An IQ test measures a combination of cognitive abilities like memory, mathematical skills, logical reasoning, spatial perception, processing speed, language skills and much more. The intelligence quotient (IQ) signifies the intellectual ability and potential of the child. It can help us predict the capacity of the child to learn new things, deal with novel situations and with abstractions. This knowledge can tell us about the child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses and predict how they are likely to function in an academic setting. This will help in tailoring the best learning method for the child. IQ tests can also help in diagnosing intellectual disabilities, thus seeing if any intervention is required.

Autism is a developmental disorder which affects the ability of the child to communicate and interact with people. It is estimated that one in every 59 children have autism. Most common symptoms would include avoiding eye contact, not showing interest in caregivers or other children and problems in communicating. The earlier children are screened, assessed and diagnosed, the sooner they can get the support and training they need to reach their full potential. ASD can be detected as early as at the age of 18 months. Children have better ability to adapt to new experiences due to faster neuroplasticity, which is why early interventions can help reduce the challenges they are likely to experience. Treatment and therapy is customised after a diagnosis to suit the child’s needs.

Many children/students have fears and worries and may also feel sad and hopeless from time to time. It is when this feeling becomes persistent and starts affecting their development that it becomes important to intervene. Anxiety and depression are two of the most leading obstacles that teens and young adults face today. This can negatively impact their self-esteem, their ability to learn in a classroom and also to enjoy their time in school. Some signs of these may include physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or stomaches. Other signs may include having a hard time to pay attention in class, self-destructive behavior being sluggish or restless all the time. Therefore, it is important for schools to assess their students every now and then so that they are able to help the student manage the symptoms and lead a healthy life.

Anything done in excess can be a bad thing and this includes spending too much time on the internet or playing video games. When children take their video game hobby too far or become over dependent on the internet it can often lead to several issues including lower grades in school to more serious health issues. Just like alcohol withdrawal, behavioral addictions have withdrawal symptoms too. These include anger, restlessness, worry and irritability when they are unable to access the internet or engage in their videogame. These types of behavioral addictions are not formally recognised as addictive disorders and hence may be difficult to diagnose but could still cause serious consequences to an individual’s life. Therefore, it becomes extremely important to screen individuals for such behavioral addictions so that they are handled and can improve a child’s overall wellbeing.

An aptitude test measures the child’s cognitive abilities and predict’s their potential to succeed in a certain kind of task. Aptitude tests are most popularly used for career guidance and for pre-employment screening. It can help the child find the right career for them based on their skills and interests. Aptitude tests cover several area of cognitive ability like language, reasoning, spatial aptitude etc. It would be recommended for highschool students to take an aptitude test before choosing a college major. Aptitude tests are designed to reveal your cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Making an informed decision assures career satisfaction and increase the chances of success. It is often used by schools to place gifted and talented children in different educational programs and understand the cognitive abilities of each student better.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that begins in childhood and might persist well into adulthood. ADHD is the most prevalent mental health problem in children with approximately 10 million children being diagnosed every year in India. It is important that the diagnosis is done as early as possible. If treatment, training and therapy is started early it can help the child in achieving their full potential both at school and at home. Signs of ADHD may include showing temper tantrums, having trouble waiting for their turn, interrupting, constant fidgeting, lack of focus, forgetfulness and not finishing their tasks. If the child regularly shows any of these symptoms and it is affecting their performance in school or their relationship with their friends then it is advisable to get an assessment done. ADHD can be managed better by spotting it early and devising an adequate treatment plan.

Like adults, children also face difficulties that might affect their mood from time to time. But in some cases these emotions may persist over time inappropriately affecting the child’s physical, cognitive and social life. In extreme cases there might be attempts of self-injury or violent behaviours for which parents should seek treatment as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent further delays in their emotional development. Bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety disorders are the most common among these. Signs of emotional disorders might include disinterest, dramatic mood swings, irritable, etc. Children with emotional disturbances need treatment and services based on their individual needs. This will help them achieve their full potential while managing their symptoms and also lift their self-esteem.

Social skills are an integral part of functioning in a society and developing these skills in children can prepare them for healthier interactions throughout their lifetime. Being able to express personal needs, displaying good manners and etiquettes, communicating effectively with others and being considerate towards the feelings of others are all a few components of social skills that children need to develop as they mature. Lacking social skills can affect the child, emotionally, personally and academically. Therefore, it is extremely important to assess your child’s social skills to identify the skills that they lack and formulate the right methods to improve them.