Clarifying intellectual and adaptive functioning
Intellectual Disability is characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning—such as reasoning, problem‑solving, abstract thinking, and learning—and adaptive functioning across conceptual, social, and practical daily‑living skills.
At Constellation Psychology, we provide comprehensive evaluations to understand how cognitive and practical skills interact in daily functioning. These assessments offer clear, evidence-based recommendations to guide disability services, funding applications, school planning, and next steps. We proudly serve children, teens, and young adults transitioning into adulthood in Calgary and surrounding areas for in-person services.
About Cognitive Assessments
Cognitive assessments evaluate thinking, problem-solving, and adaptive functioning to clarify strengths and areas of need.
To ensure accuracy and alignment with DSM‑5‑TR diagnostic criteria, we use standardized, evidence‑based measures appropriate for each age group.
- For individuals 16 years old and younger, we administer the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC‑V), which evaluates verbal comprehension, visual‑spatial reasoning, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.
- For individuals 17 years and older, we use the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS‑IV) to assess similar core cognitive domains with adult‑normed scores.
To understand real‑world functioning and determine whether DSM‑5‑TR criteria are met—particularly when assessing for Intellectual Disability—we also include the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System – Third Edition (ABAS‑3), which measures conceptual, social, and practical daily‑living skills. Together, these tools provide a clear picture of how an individual thinks, learns, and functions day‑to‑day, supporting informed decision‑making at home, school, and in the community.
While we do not determine eligibility for specific programs, our assessments provide the psychological documentation and diagnosis often required as part of these application processes, and we guide families through the steps involved so they feel informed and supported throughout.
Accessing Disability Services and Supports
Helping families navigate financial, educational, and community resources.
Many disability‑related programs require documentation from qualified professionals. We assist families by providing the psychological components typically needed for applications and by helping them understand program requirements.
- Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD): We provide the cognitive and adaptive functioning assessment often required for PDD applications. Individuals can apply starting at age 16 (services begin at 18). PDD requires documentation showing a developmental disability, including significant limitations in intellectual and adaptive functioning with onset before age 18. Psychological assessments completed by a Registered Psychologist are used to determine whether intellectual functioning falls in a range commonly associated with developmental disabilities (e.g., an IQ around 70 or below).
- Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP): AISH and ADAP now share a single combined application, which includes a medical form completed by a healthcare provider. Psychological assessment results may be included as supporting documentation, depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances.
- Disability Tax Credit (T‑2201): We complete the psychological sections of the T‑2201 form to certify impairment in mental functions necessary for everyday life.
- Family Services for Children with Disabilities (FSCD): For children, we offer guidance and documentation to support FSCD applications, including programs such as Developmental Aide or Specialized Services, when appropriate.
Our role is to provide clear, evidence‑based assessment information and help families understand how this information may be used within various provincial systems. Final eligibility decisions are made by the respective government programs.
What Your Assessment Involves
From intake to feedback meeting, in four steps.
- Intake and history review. We gather developmental, medical, school, and family history so the findings reflect the whole person.
- Appointment and cognitive testing. A two-hour appointment begins with a 45-minute consultation, followed by approximately 1.5 hours of standardized cognitive testing.
- Adaptive functioning questionnaires. Caregivers, teachers, the individual (when appropriate), and other familiar observers complete questionnaires about daily-living skills such as communication, safety, and self-care. This gives a multi-rater perspective rather than a single point of view.
- Written report and feedback meeting. You receive a comprehensive written report, and we meet to review the results in plain language and talk through next steps.
From the initial intake to the final feedback meeting, the typical timeline is approximately four to six weeks, depending on scheduling and how quickly questionnaires are returned.
Who Completes Your Assessment
Registered Psychologists with deep experience in Alberta's disability systems.
Sharon Blott has been a Registered Psychologist in Alberta since 2001 and previously managed assessment services at Foothills Academy. Sarra Wong, M.Ed., trained in school and applied child psychology at the University of Calgary and spent years supporting families through FSCD and PUF programs.
Constellation Psychology is an assessment-only practice, so our focus stays on clear, evidence-based findings you can use with the programs you are applying to.
Disability Assessment FAQs
No. A referral isn't required. You can self-refer and book directly.
No. The assessment provides evidence-based documentation, but the Government of Alberta reviews every application and makes the final decision.
A diagnosis alone isn't the deciding factor. PDD looks at significant limitations in both intellectual and adaptive functioning that began before age 18, which is what this assessment measures.
It depends on the program and the reviewer. Bring your report to a complimentary 15-minute consultation and we can advise whether an update is likely needed.
Yes. We complete the psychological sections of the T-2201 Disability Tax Credit form and provide guidance and documentation for FSCD applications for children. Time for forms is billed at $235 per hour.
Assessments are offered in person at our Calgary office, Suite 115, 1925 18 Ave NE. If you live outside Calgary, call us at 403-612-3396 to discuss what's possible.
Cognitive Assessment for Disability Services
The cognitive and adaptive functioning assessment used for PDD/AISH applications and for identifying an Intellectual Developmental Disorder (Intellectual Disability) takes approximately 7 hours to complete and is offered at a flat fee of $1,645.00. The process includes a two‑hour appointment beginning with a 45‑minute consultation, followed by approximately 1.5 hours of standardized cognitive testing (such as the WISC‑V or WAIS‑IV), as well as completion of adaptive functioning questionnaires by caregivers, teachers, the individual (when appropriate), and other familiar observers to provide a multi‑rater perspective.
A comprehensive written report is provided, and a feedback meeting is scheduled to review results and discuss the findings. From the initial intake to the final feedback meeting, the typical assessment timeline is approximately four to six weeks, depending on scheduling and the timely return of questionnaires.
