IQ's

[Tabrett]

Have you had your dc IQ tested? If so, if so what do you do with the information?

 

What do you think about IQ score? Do they really mean anything? Do you think IQ scores have any relevance to how well you dc does in school?

 

Do you know your IQ? Do you think your IQ is relevant to your intelligence?

[JFSinIL]

I have had it done three times and the range varied over 35 points! So at least I can say your mood can affect your score!!!

[Tabrett]

I have had it done three times and the range varied over 35 points! So at least I can say your mood can affect your score!!!

That is interesting. I actually saw my score on my school files when I was 9th grade. Every time I take the fun internet IQ tests, I am always in a 5+/- of my score from 9th grade.

[JFSinIL]

My lowest score came from school days, when I was a MISERABLE kid in middle school. My highest - grad school days at UCLA - best time of my life. Go figure.

[Lolly]

Have you had your dc IQ tested? If so, if so what do you do with the information?

Yes. Basked in its glory in private.

 

 

What do you think about IQ score? Do they really mean anything? Do you think IQ scores have any relevance to how well you dc does in school?Interesting tidbit of useless information. Yes and no. Work ethic and learning disabilities figure into the equation very heavily.

 

Do you know your IQ? Do you think your IQ is relevant to your intelligence?

Yes. Somewhat. How is that for vague?:auto:

[Pamela H in Texas]

My kids were IQ tested....

 

My daughter was tested because we got some and were considering getting some other outside help with resources. So if you are thinking your child may be highly gifted, some of those resources may be available to you (and/or available with financial help). My son was tested as part of a work up for delays. My brother and I were both tested as children also.

 

All of us are some form of "gifted" or another. I scored the lowest of the four of us.

 

What I think? It's a number (well, a group of numbers). It can give you some information you wouldn't get otherwise. It may help you to see things differently as you try to accomodate. However, it's not a for sure thing. As JFS said, the numbers can change dramatically just from one test to another. 35 points is two standard deviations; it's A LOT.

 

The main problem I have with it is that it doesn't necessarily say much about a person's ability though sometimes it's used to do so. A person with a 115 IQ may not qualify for a gifted program in a school but they could be 4 grade levels ahead of their peers academically, able to surpass many of the kids with the 138 IQ that did make it into the program. A person with a 155 IQ isn't necessarily "ahead" or more capable academically!

 

I have seen this with my own family siblings and children. They still are individuals even if their ability level suggests they could do significantly more or less than they actually do. One site has a chart of age/grade level differences with IQ scores. To me, this is WAY too simplistic and inaccurate AT BEST. I would hate for a child to be pushed or held back because his IQ score suggests he "should" be doing X level.

 

Anyway, so I think it's a mixed bag. Honestly, we did almost nothing with the information.

 

And as an adult? It really doesn't matter. My brother references his intelligence occasionally. I think it helps him mentally to remember he's supposedly the brightest of the bright. I personally feel dumb as rocks compared to many with whom I choose to keep company (some homeschoolers, another board filled with ultra bright people, a gifted community when the kids were younger, certain knowledgable Christians). I sometimes try to tell myself I can't be quite as dumb as I feel, but it doesn't work. That number doesn't help at all. I just keep learning. Such is life :)

 

I have NEVER heard either of my children reference their intelligence or IQ levels or anything of that sort. I don't believe they would. I don't think they even think about it. It's just a non-issue.

[KAR120C]

I have no idea if I was ever tested... if I was I wasn't told, and I don't think "the number" would give me more insight into my nature than just being me... :D but we did have DS tested when he was six. We knew he was pretty smart, and there were some weird little verbal quirks that we were getting nervous about and wanted a professional to give an opinion as to whether they were Problems or just Quirks... And one of the tools he used to decide that was an IQ test. (And we have an official opinion now that he's "just quirky." LOL)

 

I think it was a very useful thing, but not just to get "the number". There's nothing really magical about an IQ score, but there were two big things that the process told us. First, because it's based on several subtests, we got a good picture of relative strengths and weaknesses -- kind of a profile. He had a ridiculously big split between one area and everything else, which explained some of his quirks. Second, although it wasn't a full diagnostic workup for anything, the profile is "suggestive"... meaning that by looking at areas where he was much stronger (or weaker), you get an idea of whether there's any reason to pursue further testing. Between that and the professional opinion, I get a lot of comfort from knowing that his quirks really are just quirks, and not disorders.

 

As far as the score itself, I like knowing it... but it certainly has limitations. I wouldn't put much stock in an IQ score alone, but if it's backed up by consistent performance then I think it's worth something for predicting how one does in school. That is, it takes a heck of a lot more than IQ to do well -- good attitude and work ethic, ability to work with others, willingness to take risks, etc. There's no reason to think that someone with a higher IQ will outperform someone with a better work ethic. But on the other hand, if you have a kid whose hard work is getting him much farther than it seems to get others, there may be some "native talent" there too.

 

So I think if you understand the limitations of the tests (and the statistics of the scoring!) it's a useful bit of information. It might not be worth the expense if there aren't any particular issues to tease out or if there isn't anything you can do with the results, but if the price is reasonable and there are questions it can answer, or doors it can open, it can be worthwhile.

[Guest Virginia Dawn]

I have not had my children's IQ tested. Both my brothers and I were tested as children but my mother refused to tell us the results, which led to some interesting assumptions on our part and affected our choices as young adults.

 

I have a general idea of the range of my IQ, but that's it. Personally, I think IQ is absolutely no measure of future success in life. I think it is merely the recognition of particular kinds of talent one is born with, especially the talents of absorbing information, making connections/inferences/deductions, and the ability to use visual/spatial perception in a way that is different from the average person.

 

These talents tend to make children who have them stand out in relation to their peers who don't. When they reach adulthood and have to make real decisions on their own and other's behalf, their talent doesn't always help them. IMO the kind of parenting children recieve is a much bigger deal than a child's IQ.

 

My favorite quote that I saw on the back of a T-shirt of a kid jogging around a well-known elite college campus: "Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard."

 

To me that says it all. I don't think enough children hear words like that.

[keptwoman]

Have you had your dc IQ tested? If so, if so what do you do with the information?

 

Yes we had C tested as part of diagnosing his LDs.

The test gave us valuable information on his strengths and weaknesses. His "numbers" varied from in the 10th percentile to the 95th percentile. The overall number though is worthless.

We haven't had the other two tested and have no plans to unless there arises an issue that would make it useful.

 

What do you think about IQ score? Do they really mean anything? Do you think IQ scores have any relevance to how well you dc does in school?

 

I think that the number on it's own is meaningless. I don't think the number by itself has any relevance at all to how they will do at school. The sub numbers on the otherhand can give a picture of how children will cope with things.

 

 

Do you know your IQ? Do you think your IQ is relevant to your intelligence?

 

Yes. Well it's nice to know what it is, and DH and I have a friendly IQ test rivalry going on. Yes I think it's somewhat relevant to my intelligence but not in any useful or quantifiable way.

Edited October 16, 2008 by keptwoman
spelling and I'm still not sure it's right

[Bev in B'ville]

is only part of the picture. In one of my doctoral classes we had this very discussion (psychology program). I think the professor summed it up nicely when presented with the question: Which kind of student would she rather work with: The student with a high IQ or the student who has average intelligence but perseveres until they get the answer? She said, no doubt, she'd rather have the latter because, in her experience, when someone with a high IQ runs into a stumbling block they tend to give up more so than someone who's use to running into stumbling blocks (i.e. the person with average intelligence).

 

I know very intelligent people who are hard workers (like my husband) and I know very intelligent people who are very lazy. In a study of criminals that was done years ago I don't remember the exact numbers, but I remember that I was surprised at the number of criminals who perpetrated non-violent crimes who had high IQ's. So, clearly IQ is only part of the equation. Morals, character, perseverance, etc. are more important in my opinion.

 

As always, just my $.02.

[Academy of Jedi Arts]

Yes I have had my dd's IQ tested, my IQ has been tests, and so has my dh's, and it is relevant to ability.

 

What it is NOT is a sign your kid is going to get straight A's, be seen as the "smart" one, go to an Ivy League college, and land a six figure career. So many people equate IQ with achievement. Actually, an average bright child has more of a chance than some highly gifted kids of doing the things listed there. The kid who has C's and D's sleeping in the back of the class might just have a high IQ.

 

The main benefit of having dd's IQ tested is it gained her entrance to a program that has helped our family tremendously. We have a lot of resources to help guide our dd to success rather than cleeping in the back of the class.

 

The biggest issues that dd deal with are not academic, but social/emotional. It was much harder when she was younger to connect with other kids her age- because the disconnect between the interests and abilities was SO great. Now, she can tolerate those situations better, but she still gets frustrated. She also has a very low BS tolerance (gee, wonder where she got that from?) so we have had to teach her ways to get through a simple thing like a class with agemates, or a birthday party with agemates, simple things most parents and kids just take for granted.

 

I think our public school system and thier treatment of the gifted has helped spread public ignorance about giftedness. I also think the anti-intellectual climate of our society at present has also done a great deal of harm.

[Peela]

I was tested as a child and ever since then my grandmother, an educational psychologist, had terribly high expectations of me, and I disappointed her terribly. For years as an adult she would tell me I was wasting my good brain. I was so emotionally immature as a child, (I was young for my year and it really made a difference for me) and also very sensitive, I think I took a long time to "grow up" so to speak and be a more balanced person. If I had followed the academic path my grandmother wanted, I wouldnt have developed other parts of me that I did instead and which I believe fulfill me more than what she thought I should do. So, even though I supposedly come from a line of high IQs and have a high IQ (not super high), and I actually do appreciate being basically intelligent, I think there is a whole lot more to life, and intelligence, and happiness, and love, and peace, and having a good life, than having a high IQ or not.

[Tabrett]

Just to let you guys know. I haven't had any of my dc tested. I don't have any idea of where they land on IQ scale. I suspect my oldest dd is average and my youngest dd a little above average, but in no means high. My other two are too young for me to tell.

 

This article got me thinking about how IQ's effect people and their performance in school.

[asta]

This article got me thinking about how IQ's effect people and their performance in school.

 

ARRGGG!!!

 

This very concept is a hot-button at our house. We are SO tired of the American model of University, I can't even tell you! And that doesn't even get into the concept of "degree inflation" (jobs that used to require a high school diploma now require a Bachelor's degree; jobs that used to require a Bachelor's now require a Master's, etc.).

 

We know a guy who is a master mason (tile, stone work - very high end stuff). He would LOVE to have an apprentice. He has work scheduled out 9-12 months at all times, no matter what the market is like. He can't get anyone to work for him. This man makes 6 or 7 figures a year, and is willing to train an apprentice, but no one wants to work; everyone wants to go to college (whether they should or not). And the guy is brilliant; he is well read, engaging... he just doesn't happen to be a college graduate. Who cares?

 

I agree: the social construct for "higher education" needs to change in the US.

 

 

asta

[camibami]

My oldest has been tested as part of a whole slew of tests she had starting at 6-7. Then she was tested again when she went to ps for part of a year. Both scores are almost the same- 2 point difference. It has been useful for programs, etc- getting her into some things/resources required it. IQ testing,along with the results of some other tests and a visit or 12 to some specialists really helped explain why PiedPiper *is* the way she is. That was the most valuable thing to come from it, IMO.

 

I don't know what mine is, but I was tested several times in school. It was useful for the same things as DD- school programs, extra-curricular programs, etc.

[Maria from IN]

I think it's a good idea to have an IQ test, just to see where the strengths and weaknesses are, but I was in third grade during the late 70s, which was just before Indiana decided the schools can't use IQ tests to "track" children.

 

The day of the test, my mother didn't know the test was going on, and didn't see the harm in sending me to school with the sniffles. By the time I got home, I had the whole Nyquil package--you know, sneezing, coughing, fever, the whole schmear.

 

My score came back as average. My mother called the school and explained to them what happened, and they refused to test me again. She told them how my brother and I were reading at three and no one taught us--again they told her no. She showed them the achievement scores from my old school--all 99th percentiles--and again they said no. They acted like my mom was some nose-in-the-air parent who thought her kid deserved special treatment that wasn't called for. "Your daughter will do fine in school, and 105 is a perfectly respectable score."

 

Then in 5th grade when all the "high-IQ" kids got challenges in the form of Horizons classes, I got study hall, and got bored. By then school was just something to get through before I could get back home and get to my books. I didn't get to choose the courses I wanted until I was a sophomore in high school, but by then teachers really didn't want me to take them because of what they thought I was (or wasn't) capable of.

 

Fast forward to college--I had to learn study skills. All of a sudden they expected something from me. There's no way like the hard way!

 

Oh, and they tested me again in college, and there was a difference of more than 35 points (on the old scale).

[Parrothead]

I had mine tested in school for the gifted program. I was two points short of the required number for entry, but they were going to let me in anyway. Then the program lost funding and I was back to square one.

 

I'm on the fence as to getting dd tested. I'm not sure why I would since we homeschool and have our own G&T program.

[Carrie12345]

My 10yo was tested when he was about 5, as part of his ASD evaluation. Since then, he's had a few more partial tests and 1 or 2 full tests in effort to get school services (which didn't work.)

 

He definitely has an above average IQ, high in some areas, average in a few, and crazy-high in a couple. He has an incredible capacity for understanding and absorbing concrete facts and concepts, but he has very little ability to think in the abstract or work through problems that don't have a definitive "right" answer.

 

His IQ in no way guarantees him success. It certainly could give him an edge if he sticks with his strengths, but there are plenty of other factors that will come into play. If he works hard, he could probably do anything. If he ignores his weak areas, he'll have a hard time getting very far.

[elegantlion]

I don't ever remember being tested. Are there any online tests that are reliable?

[KAR120C]

Which kind of student would she rather work with: The student with a high IQ or the student who has average intelligence but perseveres until they get the answer? She said' date=' no doubt, she'd rather have the latter because, in her experience, when someone with a high IQ runs into a stumbling block they tend to give up more so than someone who's use to running into stumbling blocks (i.e. the person with average intelligence). [/quote']

 

I agree that IQ won't do you any good if you aren't willing to work, but I think that it isn't the IQ that makes someone give up when they hit a stumbling block... I think it's likely they were never challenged along the way.

 

That's one of the major reasons we're homeschooling. DS would be happy to coast his way through 12 years of PS and come out with good grades and no idea how to work at a problem. At home I make sure he routinely hits things he doesn't know how to do and has to figure out how to muddle through them. I think that experience of facing a challenge is going to do him far more good than his IQ alone would.

 

Someone who "gets" math will find some things easy that a lot of people have trouble with. But either they can use that (as I did 20 years ago) to be lazy and do the minimum to get by without effort -- or they could put that ability to good use and work hard at it. Just having talent doesn't get you very far unless you're willing to do the work too, but if you're willing to work AND you have some ability, you can put both of them to excellent use. My concern is that the way people treat education, both in PS and sometimes even homeschooling, tends to encourage those who find things easy to coast rather than to work hard and see how far they can go with it.

[JFSinIL]

I might add - my sister was tested, too - she has a super-high score. She was put into the gifted programs - and hated it - the competition to be the "best" drove her to get a GED and escape school!! She only attended a local CC part-time until she was married at 19 - Mom still laments how the "wrong" daughter went on to college (thanks, Mom!).

 

I, with my initially lower score from middle school, did not have as much expected of me...my later tests showed a much higher, more appropriate (I think) score. Hey, Mom - maybe the right kid DID go to college :001_tt2:

[swellmomma]

My older 2 kids and myself have been tested. While it was nice to have confirmation that we were smart with my ds being the lowest at 109 due to a slow processing speed it actually impeded us. Even though my kids have learning disabilities, my son's being quite severe, we have been told that since their IQ's are so high with those disabilities they don't qualify for services such as an IPP in ps. Which is all the more reason to homeschool. In the end having an IQ number has been an interesting peice to have, It works with dd who is lazy in her work and tries to say she "can't" I then remind her that the test proved with her IQ of 122 she can. If she is at 122 with uncontrolled adhd she is more than smart enough to do the work. For myself I was at 119, At the time of testing I had a crying baby on my hip, so for me it gave me a boost I needed, in the report the tester wrote he felt my score should have been higher but I was distracted during testing. Over the years I have always felt stupid, because during school I couldn't make the honor roll(I would miss it by 1-2%) which would disappoint my parents, and as a young adult they often told me how stupid I was, which led me to giving up and dropping out of college a few times. Having that test done really helped me see that I was intelligent and capable of so much more. At the same time the tester hit the same problem my kids shrink has, I have the criteria for a diagnosis of adhd but my IQ is not impeded by it enough to actually get help for it.

[Haiku]

Have you had your dc IQ tested? If so, if so what do you do with the information?

 

My oldest child, who is in public school, had her IQ tested to determine her eligibility for special ed (it was not the only determiner but an IQ test was one in a battery of tests).

 

What do you think about IQ score? Do they really mean anything? Do you think IQ scores have any relevance to how well you dc does in school?

 

Yes, I think they mean something. I think an IQ is related to how quickly and easily you can learn and understand new information.

 

My dd has an above-average IQ but is severely learning disabled. I'm not sure exactly how these things interplay in her school performance.

 

Do you know your IQ? Do you think your IQ is relevant to your intelligence?

 

I know what my IQ was tested at in 3rd grade. I do think it is relevant because, as I said, I think it impacts my ability to assimilate information. I think that people with higher IQs are more able to think abstractly (in general, although this does not hold true of my dd because of her other processing problems).

 

Tara

[emeraldjoy]

It wasn't until a basic psychology class in college did I realize that I was tested in elementary school: I saw an example of a few questions from the test in a text-book a had deja-vu moment; remembering sitting at table with my pencil...having no clue what was going on or why. I never knew what it was or the results and still don't. I did start what they called the "talented and gifted" program soon thereafter but again had no idea what that was all about. I didn't last long in it. The teacher was very adament about telling us how different we were than the rest; I remember a normal distribution curve even in one of our lessons; still not having any idea what it meant. I just wanted to go play football at recess not have to go to more school.....so I quit and my mom supported me....still had not idea what it all meant. I never did until far into adulthood.

 

I appreciate that my mom shielded me in such a way. I think it was very wise.

 

All of that being said I, in general, have a problem with standarized tests of any sort.

 

I will never forget a Blackfeet (American Indian group in Mt) man who was talking about standarized tests and the cultural problems with them and how limited they can be.

He gave an example of the word veranda (that may or may not be used as part of testing, but simply an example). He said all of the kids in his community would get the question wrong, not because they did not have the ability to process or think or know, but simply because they did not know what a veranda was.

 

Emerald

[hsmamainva]

I don't like them at all!! 3 of my 4 children have had their IQ tested.

 

My oldest had her IQ tested at the age of 4 (actually recommended by our pediatrician and the public school system because she was bored in Kindergarten), and it was tested at 154.

 

My 14yo had his IQ tested at 6 because he's on the autism spectrum. We were told it was 88 and that he'd never learn to read, do math, etc. (this was by the psychologist who did the testing). Well, he's learned how to do all of those things and he always scores in the 90th percentile, or better, on his standardized tests every year

 

My 6yo just had her IQ tested this summer. She has expressive language delays and is on the autism spectrum. I asked for a non-verbal IQ test for her (because her language skills are on a 3-4 year old level, but I was told that they didn't "have one available"). We were told her IQ is 54. 54!!! And she's using a standard 1st grade homeschool curriculum!! She's reading simple "Level 1" beginning readers...adding and subtracting in math, etc. So I *know* her IQ is NOT 54!!! :rant:

 

The only one who has never had his IQ tested is my 9yo...who always scores in the 99th percentile on his standardized tests and is working several grade levels ahead. There are times when I'm really, really curious to see what his IQ level is, but...after what my two special needs children have gone through, I don't believe it would be accurate anyway.

[Tabrett]

Oh, and they tested me again in college, and there was a difference of more than 35 points (on the old scale).

What's the old scale? Have they changed the scale to make us appear smarter?

[Laura Corin]

I had Calvin tested, as he was having problems at school. I think it came out a little high, but not by much. The result has helped me to understand that his leaps of understanding are indeed solid. The testing also pointed up some problems, which make it easier for me to understand why, for example, he finds algebra easy and geometry fiendish.

 

I've never been officially tested, but I've done a few online tests, which came out to a similar score each time.

 

Laura

[JenneinCA]

Yes, my older kids have both been tested.

 

We tested because I was going crazy trying to figure out the conflicting answers that other people were giving me about my oldest. She was and still is very hard to figure out.

 

Does the IQ number help anything? It helped her qualify for a program for smart kids. It helped me understand why I was confused about her. It didn't help much with anything else. It does not make anything about her easier. I don't regret testing, but it isn't the magic parenting guide that it is sometimes is suggested to be.

 

My older son was tested because compared to my daughter he seemed off. I should have known better. It is my value of normal that is off not him.

 

My younger son is only 4 and has not been tested because the overwhelming need for the test isn't there. If we do test him it will be when he is six.

 

Do I recommend getting an IQ test? NO!

Unless you have an overwhelming need for the information to:

A) get into an existing program

B) need courage to make radical changes to your school situation or

C) suspect learning disabilities

It is not worth the expense in time, money or aggravation.

 

Jenne in AZ

[Pam "SFSOM" in TN]

Have you had your dc IQ tested? If so, if so what do you do with the information?

 

What do you think about IQ score? Do they really mean anything? Do you think IQ scores have any relevance to how well you dc does in school?

 

Do you know your IQ? Do you think your IQ is relevant to your intelligence?

 

I know what my IQ is, I know what ds's IQ is, I know what dd (15)'s IQ is. There is no correlation to school performance, and I doubt there will be any correlation to *life* performance for the kids. Certainly, there is not for me.

 

In fact, one of dd's subscores on the WISC is in the 9th percentile. (Not 9 out of 10, 9 out of 100. Actual percentile.) Another is 27th. But somehow she manages to outperform us all. *She* will be the acheiver in the family, I suspect.

[JFSinIL]

I don't like them at all!! 3 of my 4 children have had their IQ tested.

 

 

 

My 6yo just had her IQ tested this summer. She has expressive language delays and is on the autism spectrum. I asked for a non-verbal IQ test for her (because her language skills are on a 3-4 year old level, but I was told that they didn't "have one available"). We were told her IQ is 54. 54!!! And she's using a standard 1st grade homeschool curriculum!! She's reading simple "Level 1" beginning readers...adding and subtracting in math, etc. So I *know* her IQ is NOT 54!!! :rant:

 

[/quote

My son with autism has average or above average scores on the Leitner test for non-verbal intelligence - give him the plain old, highly verbal Stanfprd binet and he is far below average. Appropriate tests make a difference!!!

[Maria from IN]

What's the old scale? Have they changed the scale to make us appear smarter?

 

I was told in one of my Psych classes that when we were kids the scoring system was the same as it had always been: your intellectual age divided by your chronological age--and that result is multiplied by 100. So if your intellectual age is 20 and your chronological age is 20 they divide that and take the answer (1) and multiply by 100...which is why a score of 100 is considered average--you are just as intelligent as you should be at that age, I guess.

 

Now they take the scores and see how you fit in with all the rest of the people taking that test. 100 is now the average score, and I suppose our score changes over time (albeit incrementally) depending on who takes it when.

 

For example, in college, on the old scoring system, I scored 142. I took one online a couple of years ago that used the new system and it was 131...so I guess I'm dumber on the new system!:001_smile:

[keptwoman]

I don't like them at all!! 3 of my 4 children have had their IQ tested.

 

My oldest had her IQ tested at the age of 4 (actually recommended by our pediatrician and the public school system because she was bored in Kindergarten), and it was tested at 154.

 

My 14yo had his IQ tested at 6 because he's on the autism spectrum. We were told it was 88 and that he'd never learn to read, do math, etc. (this was by the psychologist who did the testing). Well, he's learned how to do all of those things and he always scores in the 90th percentile, or better, on his standardized tests every year

 

My 6yo just had her IQ tested this summer. She has expressive language delays and is on the autism spectrum. I asked for a non-verbal IQ test for her (because her language skills are on a 3-4 year old level, but I was told that they didn't "have one available"). We were told her IQ is 54. 54!!! And she's using a standard 1st grade homeschool curriculum!! She's reading simple "Level 1" beginning readers...adding and subtracting in math, etc. So I *know* her IQ is NOT 54!!! :rant:

 

The only one who has never had his IQ tested is my 9yo...who always scores in the 99th percentile on his standardized tests and is working several grade levels ahead. There are times when I'm really, really curious to see what his IQ level is, but...after what my two special needs children have gone through, I don't believe it would be accurate anyway.

 

Goodness Kelly you sure got mucked around with it!

Interestingly the educational psych who did my DSs test wouldn't actually give him an overall number. She said it would be skewed by his enormous variation in strengths and weaknesses and would be an irrelevant label. She spent the time explaining to me the strengths and weaknesses. What a pity you didn't get the same kind of treatment, it might have been much more useful!

Edited October 17, 2008 by keptwoman

[cillakat]

I think it's helpful if you're dealing with some aspect of the child's development that is outside the norm.....maybe they get things faster, maybe slower, maybe you need more insight into their learning style....

 

My kids have both been tested in the WISC-IV (IQ test), the Woodcock-Johnson (acheivment) and multiple other smaller tests related to ADHD issues and dyslexia specifically.

 

The eldest was tested b/c we 'knew' there was a very real ADHD issue going on and we were trying to suss out potential langugage based ld's. Well, it was helpful, but not as helpful as we'd hoped. We knew she was ADHD (that was actually helpful though to get it on paper), and we knew she was a strong auditory and kinesthetic learner. We also knew that she'd hit high on verbal reasoning portions of the test but we surprised by hitting test ceilings in that area. However, the dyslexia was completely missed. Her deficits in that area were chalked up to ADHD rather than the more accurate phonological weakness.....it's easy to see how it happened but frustrating nonetheless as it delayed critical intervention by two years:(

 

My younger one was tested b/c she is in school and we knew she'd have to skip a grade coming out of a montessori primary classroom and moving into a more traditional (yet supposedly progressive) classroom. The testing supported the grade skip...and honestly, at this lame school we should have pushed for a 2y skip. Her social skills are excl, she gets along beautifully with the third graders, that's where she is academically (and above that in math). But we asked for and got 2nd grade.

 

Knowing what I know now about dyslexia, it's clear that the younger one is slightly dyslexic too. Helpful to know:) The testing indicated the possibility, but the tester (someone who knows us and our kids well....maybe too well:)) was willing to chalk it up to her being 'bored' with the easy material on the dys sensitive portions of the test and thus not giving it her full attention. We should only be so lucky;) As time her time away from the montessori classroom has grown, so has her time away from that daily intensive direct instruction mutli sensory phonics program which montessori (in the right hands) is. 5 months out and her reading is falling apart in what could have been a slow motion disaster had we not known about the possibility. Instead, we were able to see it and intervene appropriately....and it is mild (maybe it's mild b/c of the early montessori as an 'unintended' intervention....it's likely that that is the case). She's getting Wilson Reading instruction daily now (by me) and has stabilized.

 

Anyway, all of this knowledge came to us via testing by a knowledgeable experienced, thorough educational psychologist. I wouldn't consider neuropsych testing with a ten foot pole.

 

Also, frequently one will hear 'my IQ was tested in school'. That's the CogAt, not an IQ test. The number results are used interchangeably and shouldn't be.

 

:)

Katherine

[phathui5]

My oldest had his IQ tested because he was in a research study at Kennedy Krieger this week. I'll be getting the results in a couple weeks.

[RebeccaC]

We have had a sons tested. My oldest has had several IQ tests. The TONI and The Leiter were non verbal tests that he capped, got every answer right and the tester used the words precocious in that report. However he was also tested using a standard verbal IQ test the same week as the TONI and the Leiter and he did not do well on that test at all.

 

Both my sons have high IQs as do I. My niece who is on the Autism spectrum has a higher nonverbal IQ too and a 135 verbal. Our oldest son had severe LD issues and the IQ test help to define what they were and what his strengths were. That info helped me teach, choose curriculum and rule in and out therapies to help remediation his LD issues. How the high IQ has presented here is in depth of thought and creativity not so much in academics but I expect to see it impact academics more the further we get past remediation for the LD issues. For us the testing has been a big help. If you are not dealing with true LD issues it might not be worth the expense unless you needed it for school placement.

 

HTH

[Ria]

Three of our six have been tested because they are in the public school system and were considered for the gifted program. In our district a child must ahve an IQ of 130 or more to qualify for the program. As we expected, one of our kids far surpassed that score. His brothers scored very high but not quite the magic 130, lol.

 

Does it matter? No. The psychologist who did our testing was very blunt. He said that based on the boys' scores, any one of them could be anything they wanted to be in life...doctor, veterinarian, professor, engineer, anything. The difference, he said, is that learning might come a bit easier to the "brightest" one...however, the one who wants to succeed will. Effort means everything.

 

I've seen this played out. My twins are sophomores in college. One of them is incredibly gifted, yet doesn't work hard (doesn't have to work hard to get by). The other, very bright but not at the level of the twin, works extremely hard and cares about grades and performance. The one who puts forth more effort has better grades.

Ria