What Are Cognitive Skills?

​Cognitive skills are the brain-based abilities that allow us to understand and interact with the world around us.
Examples include:
  • Attention
  • Memory
  • Working Memory
  • Processing Speed
  • Executive Functioning
  • Problem Solving
  • Reasoning
  • Organisation
  • Planning
  • Cognitive Flexibility
These skills continue developing throughout childhood and adolescence.
What Are The 7 Cognitive Skills?
​Seven commonly recognised cognitive skills include:

Attention
The ability to focus on information, tasks, and activities.

Memory
The ability to store and recall information.

Working Memory
The ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information.

Processing Speed
How efficiently a child can understand and respond to information.

Executive Functioning
The ability to plan, organise, initiate, and complete tasks.

Reasoning and Problem Solving
The ability to analyse information and develop solutions.

Cognitive Flexibility
The ability to adapt thinking and adjust to changes or new situations.
What Are Examples Of Cognitive Difficulties?

Examples may include:
  • Difficulty following instructions
  • Forgetting information quickly
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Trouble completing tasks
  • Poor organisation
  • Difficulty planning activities
  • Slow processing of information
  • Difficulty solving problems
  • Challenges managing emotions
  • Difficulty learning new concepts
Every child presents differently.
What Causes Cognitive Difficulties?

Cognitive difficulties may occur for many reasons, including:
  • ADHD
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Developmental Delays
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Dyslexia
  • Dysgraphia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Specific Learning Disorders
  • Developmental Language Disorder
  • Genetic Conditions
  • Neurological Conditions
  • Acquired Brain Injury
Assessment can help identify the factors contributing to a child's difficulties.
What Are Early Signs Of Cognitive Difficulties?

Possible signs include:
  • Difficulty following instructions
  • Poor attention and concentration
  • Forgetting information quickly
  • Difficulty completing tasks independently
  • Poor organisation
  • Frequent frustration
  • Difficulty learning new concepts
  • Trouble remembering routines
  • Challenges solving problems
  • Falling behind peers academically
Signs of Cognitive Difficulties by Age

Preschool Children (3–5 Years)
Possible signs may include:
  • Difficulty following simple instructions
  • Short attention span compared to peers
  • Forgetting routines easily
  • Difficulty learning colours, shapes, numbers or concepts
  • Trouble completing age-appropriate tasks independently
  • Difficulty switching between activities
  • Challenges remembering songs, stories or nursery rhymes
  • Difficulty engaging in age-appropriate problem-solving activities

Primary School Children (5–12 Years)
Possible signs may include:
  • Difficulty remembering instructions
  • Challenges with reading, writing or mathematics
  • Slow task completion
  • Poor organisation
  • Frequent loss of belongings
  • Difficulty planning schoolwork
  • Trouble retaining newly learned information
  • Difficulty completing homework independently
  • Challenges with time management

Adolescents
​Possible signs may include:
  • Difficulty managing increasing academic demands
  • Poor time management
  • Difficulty planning assignments and projects
  • Problems organising school materials
  • Reduced independence with daily responsibilities
  • Challenges with problem solving and decision making
  • Difficulties balancing multiple tasks
  • Increased frustration with learning demands
What Are Red Flags For Cognitive Difficulties?

You may wish to seek professional support if your child:
  • Struggles significantly compared to peers
  • Frequently forgets instructions
  • Experiences ongoing learning challenges
  • Has significant attention difficulties
  • Has difficulty completing age-appropriate tasks
  • Requires repeated support to complete everyday activities
  • Becomes increasingly frustrated by school demands
Early identification can help guide appropriate support and intervention.
Can ADHD Cause Cognitive Difficulties?

Yes.
Children with ADHD commonly experience difficulties with:
  • Attention
  • Working Memory
  • Executive Functioning
  • Organisation
  • Planning
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Task Completion
These challenges can significantly affect learning and participation.
Learn More about ADHD Assessments and Support
Can Autism Affect Cognitive Skills?

Yes.
Some autistic children experience differences in:
  • Executive Functioning
  • Cognitive Flexibility
  • Planning
  • Organisation
  • Attention
  • Problem Solving
However, cognitive abilities vary considerably between individuals and many autistic children demonstrate significant strengths in specific areas.
Learn More about Autism Assessments and Support
What Is Working Memory?

Working memory refers to the ability to temporarily hold and use information.
Examples include:​
  • Following multi-step instructions
  • Completing mental calculations
  • Remembering information while solving problems
  • Completing classroom activities
Working memory difficulties are commonly associated with ADHD, learning difficulties, and developmental conditions.
What Is Executive Functioning?

Executive functioning refers to the skills that help children:
  • Plan
  • Organise
  • Prioritise
  • Manage time
  • Start tasks
  • Complete tasks
  • Regulate emotions
  • Adapt to change
Executive functioning challenges are commonly seen in ADHD, Autism, and Specific Learning Disorders.
What Is Processing Speed?

Processing speed refers to how efficiently a child can take in, understand, and respond to information.
Children with processing speed difficulties may:
  • Complete work slowly
  • Need additional time to answer questions
  • Take longer to complete school tasks
  • Understand information but respond more slowly than peers
How Do Cognitive Difficulties Affect Learning?

Cognitive difficulties may affect:
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Homework completion
  • Classroom participation
  • Following instructions
  • Organisation
  • Independent learning
  • Social participation
The impact varies from child to child.
​Can Cognitive Difficulties Improve?
​
Yes.
Many children make meaningful progress when supports target their individual needs.
Support may focus on:
  • Memory strategies
  • Attention supports
  • Executive functioning skills
  • Learning strategies
  • School accommodations
  • Environmental modifications
  • Skill development
How Are Cognitive Difficulties Assessed?

Assessment may involve:
  • Cognitive Assessments
  • Learning Assessments
  • Psychology Assessments
  • Occupational Therapy Assessments
  • Speech Pathology Assessments
  • Parent Interviews
  • Teacher Feedback
  • Standardised Testing
The most appropriate assessment depends on the child's presentation and concerns.
When Should I Consider a Cognitive Assessment?

You may wish to consider a Cognitive Assessment if your child:
  • Is struggling academically despite support
  • Has ongoing attention difficulties
  • Experiences significant memory challenges
  • Finds learning considerably harder than peers
  • Has difficulties with reasoning or problem solving
  • Has ongoing executive functioning challenges
  • Is experiencing school participation difficulties
  • Has suspected ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Disability or a Specific Learning Disorder
  • Has been identified by teachers as needing additional learning support

​A Cognitive Assessment can help identify a child's strengths, challenges, learning profile and support needs. Assessment findings may also assist with intervention planning, school accommodations and referrals to appropriate services.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help?

Occupational Therapists may support:
  • Executive Functioning
  • Organisation Skills
  • Attention Strategies
  • Daily Living Skills
  • School Participation
  • Self-Management Skills
Learn More about Occupational Therapy Services
How Can Speech Pathology Help?

Speech Pathologists may support:
  • Language Processing
  • Following Instructions
  • Cognitive Communication
  • Memory Strategies
  • Problem Solving
  • Classroom Participation
Learn More about Speech Pathology Services
How Can Psychology Help?

Psychologists may provide:
  • Cognitive Assessments
  • Learning Assessments
  • ADHD Assessments
  • Autism Assessments
  • Emotional Support
  • School Recommendations
  • Intervention Planning
Learn More about Psychology Assessment Services
Related Conditions And Assessments

Children experiencing cognitive difficulties may also benefit from exploring: Understanding the complete picture helps ensure recommendations and supports are tailored to the child's individual needs.
Does Belong Health Provide Support For Cognitive Difficulties?

Yes.
Belong Health provides a range of services that may support children experiencing cognitive difficulties, including:
  • Psychology Assessments
  • Learning Assessments
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Pathology
  • Developmental Support Services
Our team can help identify strengths, challenges, and appropriate support pathways for children across Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham and Western Australia.
​
Contact Belong Health today to discuss assessment and support options for your child.

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

    Contact Us
​Frequently Asked Questions - Cognitive Difficulties
​
What are cognitive difficulties?
Cognitive difficulties refer to challenges with thinking, learning, remembering, attention, problem solving, organisation, and processing information.

What are examples of cognitive difficulties in children?
Examples may include:
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Forgetting instructions
  • Poor organisation
  • Slow processing speed
  • Memory difficulties
  • Difficulty completing tasks independently
  • Challenges solving problems
  • Difficulty adapting to change
Every child presents differently.

What are the 7 cognitive skills?
Common cognitive skills include:
  • Attention
  • Memory
  • Working Memory
  • Processing Speed
  • Executive Functioning
  • Reasoning and Problem Solving
  • Cognitive Flexibility
These skills support learning, participation, independence, and everyday functioning.

What causes cognitive difficulties?
​Cognitive difficulties may be associated with:
  • ADHD
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Learning Difficulties
  • Specific Learning Disorders
  • Developmental Delays
  • Intellectual Disability
  • Neurological Conditions
  • Developmental Language Disorders
Assessment can help identify contributing factors.

What are early signs of cognitive difficulties?
Possible signs may include:
  • Difficulty following instructions
  • Poor concentration
  • Forgetfulness
  • Organisation challenges
  • Difficulty learning new concepts
  • Ongoing frustration with school tasks
  • Difficulty completing activities independently

What are red flags for cognitive difficulties?
You may wish to seek professional support if your child:
  • Falls significantly behind peers
  • Frequently forgets instructions
  • Experiences persistent learning challenges
  • Has significant attention difficulties
  • Struggles with age-appropriate tasks
  • Requires repeated support to complete everyday activities

Can ADHD cause cognitive difficulties?
Yes.
ADHD commonly affects:
  • Attention
  • Working Memory
  • Organisation
  • Planning
  • Executive Functioning
  • Emotional Regulation
These challenges can significantly impact learning and participation.

Can Autism affect cognitive skills?
Yes.
Some autistic children experience differences in:
  • Executive Functioning
  • Cognitive Flexibility
  • Planning
  • Organisation
  • Attention
  • Problem Solving
Every child has a unique cognitive profile.

What is working memory?
Working memory is the ability to temporarily hold and use information while completing tasks, following instructions, solving problems, and learning new concepts.

What is executive functioning?
Executive functioning refers to the skills that help us:
  • Plan
  • Organise
  • Prioritise
  • Manage time
  • Regulate emotions
  • Complete tasks
These skills are important for learning and independence.

What is processing speed?
Processing speed refers to how quickly a child can understand, process, and respond to information.
Children with slower processing speed may need additional time to complete tasks and answer questions.

How do cognitive difficulties affect learning?
Cognitive difficulties may affect:
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Homework completion
  • Classroom participation
  • Following instructions
  • Organisation
  • Independent learning
The impact varies from child to child.

Can cognitive difficulties affect behaviour?
Yes.
Some children experiencing cognitive difficulties may appear frustrated, overwhelmed, inattentive, or avoid tasks they find challenging.
Understanding the underlying cognitive factors can help guide effective support strategies.

Can cognitive difficulties affect social skills?
Sometimes.
Difficulties with attention, memory, problem solving, language processing, and executive functioning may affect social interactions, conversations, and participation in group activities.

Are cognitive difficulties the same as an Intellectual Disability?
No.
Cognitive difficulties can occur for many reasons and do not automatically indicate an Intellectual Disability.
Assessment can help identify the nature and severity of a child's challenges.

Can cognitive difficulties occur without ADHD or Autism?
Yes.
Some children experience cognitive difficulties without meeting criteria for ADHD, Autism, or another diagnosis.

What is the difference between cognitive difficulties and learning difficulties?
Cognitive difficulties affect underlying thinking skills such as attention, memory, processing speed, and problem solving.
Learning difficulties affect specific academic skills such as reading, writing, spelling, or mathematics.
Some children experience both.

Can cognitive difficulties affect reading, writing and maths?
Yes.
Cognitive skills underpin many academic tasks.
Difficulties with attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning may affect literacy and numeracy development.

What is a Cognitive Assessment?
A Cognitive Assessment is a structured evaluation that examines how a child thinks, learns, remembers, reasons, and solves problems.
Results can help identify strengths, challenges, and appropriate support recommendations.

Who can assess cognitive difficulties?
Depending on the concerns identified, assessments may be completed by:
  • Psychologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Speech Pathologists
  • Multidisciplinary teams
The most appropriate assessment pathway depends on the child's presentation.

Can children with cognitive difficulties succeed at school?
Absolutely.
With appropriate support, accommodations, intervention strategies, and educational planning, many children with cognitive difficulties achieve positive educational outcomes.

Are cognitive difficulties lifelong?
This depends on the underlying cause.
Some children experience challenges that improve over time, while others may benefit from ongoing supports and accommodations throughout childhood and adulthood.

How are cognitive difficulties assessed?
Assessment may involve:
  • Psychology Assessments
  • Cognitive Assessments
  • Learning Assessments
  • Occupational Therapy Assessments
  • Speech Pathology Assessments
  • Parent interviews
  • Teacher feedback
  • Standardised testing

How can Occupational Therapy help cognitive difficulties?
Occupational Therapists may support:
  • Executive Functioning
  • Organisation
  • Attention Strategies
  • Daily Living Skills
  • School Participation
  • Self-Management Skills

How can Speech Pathology help cognitive difficulties?
Speech Pathologists may support:
  • Language Processing
  • Memory Strategies
  • Following Instructions
  • Cognitive Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Classroom Participation

How can Psychology help cognitive difficulties?
Psychologists may provide:
  • Cognitive Assessments
  • Learning Assessments
  • ADHD Assessments
  • Emotional Support
  • School Recommendations
  • Intervention Planning

Does Belong Health provide Cognitive Assessments?
​Yes.
Belong Health provides Cognitive Assessments, Learning Assessments, Psychology Assessments, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Pathology services for children experiencing cognitive difficulties across Perth, Mandurah, Rockingham, and Western Australia.
Related Resources

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Autism Resources
Learning Disorder Resources
Assessment Services
Therapy Services
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​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  

Accessing our Perth services

Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 
Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT
NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 
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Phone: 08 9586 3934

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BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

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