Exploring How Autistic Thinking Is Measured and Honored at Therapy Dynamics
Not all autistic individuals think the same way, and that’s a good thing. Autism is a spectrum, not just of behavior, but of cognition. At Therapy Dynamics, we believe in exploring and understanding each person’s unique cognitive profile, not just for diagnosis, but to build personalized, affirming support plans. One of the tools I use to do this is the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, Second Edition (RIAS-2).
In this blog post, I’ll explain what cognitive profiles are, why they matter in autism evaluations, and how the RIAS-2 helps us better understand both strengths and challenges in autistic children, teens, and adults.
What Is a Cognitive Profile?
A cognitive profile refers to the unique pattern of mental strengths and weaknesses that shape how a person:
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Processes information
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Solves problems
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Understands language
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Uses memory
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Adapts to new challenges
In autism evaluations, cognitive profiles help differentiate intellectual disability, giftedness, or learning disorders from autism and also help us understand how autistic individuals learn, communicate, and thrive.
Why Cognitive Testing Matters in Autism Evaluations
Autism is not about IQ, it’s about how someone experiences and processes the world. Some autistic individuals have very high verbal ability and struggle with flexibility; others are nonverbal but solve complex puzzles in minutes. Cognitive testing helps us:
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Understand learning style and processing speed
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Identify verbal vs. nonverbal strengths
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Tailor education and therapy strategies
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Guide accommodations and support plans
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Validate uneven or “spiky” skill sets common in autism
What Is the RIAS-2?
The RIAS-2 (Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales, Second Edition) is a standardized cognitive assessment for individuals ages 3 to 94. It’s ideal for autism evaluations because it is:
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Motor-free (no writing or drawing required)
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Time-efficient (can be administered in under an hour)
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Fair for autistic individuals with speech or motor differences
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Offers both verbal and nonverbal measures of intelligence and memory
At Therapy Dynamics, I use the RIAS-2 to help map out cognitive strengths and needs for both diagnostic clarity and real-world planning.
Common Cognitive Profiles in Autism and What They May Mean
1. Strong Verbal, Weaker Nonverbal (High VIX / Lower NIX)
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May excel in vocabulary, verbal reasoning, and information recall
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Struggles with visual problem-solving, social context, or adapting to nonverbal cues
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May appear “talkative” but still miss sarcasm, abstract language, or facial expressions
Support Needs: Social communication therapy, visual supports, scaffolding for executive function
Strengths: Writing, speaking, storytelling, detailed explanations
2. Strong Nonverbal, Weaker Verbal (High NIX / Lower VIX)
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Excellent visual-spatial reasoning and pattern recognition
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May use few words or rely on gestures or alternative communication
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Struggles with verbal expression, narrative thinking, or abstract conversation
Support Needs: Augmentative communication (AAC), simplified language, visual schedules
Strengths: Logic, puzzles, coding, design, math, technical systems
3. Even Verbal and Nonverbal with Memory Weakness
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Balanced intellectual profile but difficulty holding, organizing, or retrieving information
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May struggle with following directions, completing multi-step tasks, or learning through lecture
Support Needs: Visual prompts, checklists, repetition, assistive technology
Strengths: Insight, fairness, strong understanding when content is presented accessibly
4. Spiky Profile with Very High or Low Subtest Variability
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Some subtests significantly higher or lower than others
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May appear inconsistent across settings (e.g., “very bright but forgetful,” or “brilliant but disconnected”)
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Common in twice-exceptional (2e) autistic individuals or those with co-occurring ADHD or dyslexia
Support Needs: Neurodiversity-affirming, individualized learning plans
Strengths: Deep interests, resilience, adaptability when supported appropriately
5. Global Low-Average or Below-Average Profile with Strengths
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Cognitive testing may show global delays, but child or adult still shows creativity, humor, or social connection
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Often overlooked or underestimated due to focus on scores
Support Needs: Life skills support, adaptive behavior coaching, trauma-informed care
Strengths: Visual learning, sensory-motor memory, relational connection
How I Use RIAS-2 Results at Therapy Dynamics
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To support or rule out autism diagnoses when patterns of functioning are complex
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To distinguish autism from intellectual disability, language delay, or learning disorder
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To help create strength-based support recommendations for school, work, or life
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To write reports that are clear, respectful, and actionable
I take care to explain results in plain language and provide feedback that is validating, not pathologizing.
Serving Children and Adults Across Minnesota
Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s development, or an adult exploring late-diagnosed autism, I offer autism evaluations using the RIAS-2 in:
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St. Cloud, MN (in person)
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Via telehealth and hybrid evaluations statewide
All services are neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and customized to your needs.
Ready to Learn More?
At Therapy Dynamics, I believe that autism evaluations should help you understand your brain, not just label it. Let me help you explore your or your child’s unique cognitive profile using tools like the RIAS-2, in a process that’s compassionate, clear, and truly helpful.