Description of the Questionnaire

This questionnaire aims to assess learning difficulties and cognitive skills in children, with an emphasis on areas such as memory, language proficiency, audiovisual processing, and semantic comprehension. Data are collected through the administration of the AthenaTest and interviews with parents, as well as observation of the child’s behavior and cooperation during the assessment.

Data Analysis and Usage

The data are analyzed across specific cognitive scales such as intellectual ability, sequence memory, pattern completion, and grapho-phonological awareness. The analysis aims to identify difficulties such as problems with recalling information from short-term memory, processing visual and auditory material, and the ability to understand symbols and linguistic concepts. The results are used to develop individualized support and intervention programs aimed at improving the child’s cognitive skills.

Objective

The objective is to evaluate the child’s cognitive functions, especially in relation to learning difficulties, to identify specific areas of weakness and strength, to provide scientifically based reports to parents and professionals for designing appropriate interventions, and to support the improvement of the child’s academic and social performance.

Scoring

Scoring of responses is done using scales that cover intellectual ability, ranging from average to borderline high or low, sequence memory which may range from borderline low to average, pattern completion typically at an average level, and grapho-phonological awareness ranging from insufficient to average. Additionally, auditory and visual scales are evaluated, where “circles” indicate levels of difficulty, as well as the processing of semantic and non-semantic material. Finally, processed and automatic levels of information analysis are assessed. Interruption or repetition of scales is also foreseen in cases of fatigue or difficulty of the child, according to administration guidelines.

Bibliography

The administration and interpretation instructions are derived from the AthenaTest manual (2010 edition). The assessment is based on reports of learning difficulties, such as the case of Maria D., 2010, and supplementary instructions accompanying the AthenaTest scales. Additionally, scientific articles and literature on learning difficulties and cognitive assessment are taken into account.