disparity in IQ

[edpsychreport]

My son was referred for possible Aspergers assessment but conclusion was made by multi disciplinary team that it was not necessary to test him as no concerns. WISC IQ test was carried out with high IQ identified but some disparity in ranges for example digit span on 25th centile in comparison to 99th on verbal reasoning.

I am happy not to pursue the Aspergers route at the moment as I can see that many of his eccentricities could be down to his IQ and that it could be causing some social issues and some frustrations at school etc and as he is only 6 to wait and see how he develops but.....

The psychologists report has not really addressed the issue of the disparity in his IQ results as she advises that 25th to 75th centile is all an average range so his weakest scores are still average so there is nothing to address. I feel that it is worth looking at these disparities as he does not appear to be achieving anything much at school from the little I know although shows a huge thirst for knowledge at home (reading is fine but certainly struggling to form his letters and to write and reversing numbers so maths incorrect too).

Does anyone have any advice for me in addressing this. Also if anyone know of any information that include the characteristics of a troubled G & T child compared to one with Aspergers if that makes sense.

Not sure if I should post here or special needs so will dual post.

[EyeOfNewtToeOfFrog]

Hey, your DS sounds very much like my DD :) so there are others of us out here, trying to navigate through the maze of assessment and high IQ/AS! You're not alone.

Was your EP a specialist in high IQ kids? Could you get a private referral to someone who is? NAGC website have a list I think.

I read a book called "Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults" which helped me understand how and why high IQ can sometimes look like autism, and what the difference is. I've also found NAGC very helpful as an organisation, they have a helpline you can ring. They might be able to point you in the right direction with your results?

I haven't got as far as getting the WISC assessment results yet, so haven't got any wisdom to share on the large disparity - anecdotally I hear on MN this might be indicative of some sort of learning problem in some circles, but all I can do is hope someone more knowledgeable can answer that part.

Good luck!

[DrMuffy]

My DS (9) was recently diagnosed with non-verbal learning disorder. It is very similar to Aspbergers, and actually for many years I thought he had a mild case of Aspbergers. It's kind of a misleading name, because it actually means that he has trouble learning non-verbal skills, but his verbal skills are way above average. At school he struggles though, and is working at a grade level two below his actual grade level (I'm in Canada). In the classroom he has help in the form of someone that can read problems to him and scribe his answers, and the curriculum has been modified for him. Earlier this school year the school tested his ability and his verbal language skills were way above average, while his written skills were way below. Because there was such a big disparity between the two, the school suggested we get a speech assessment done in case he had a processing disorder, but in the meantime I had him assessed for AS. He struggles socially, has appalling handwriting and writes many numbers backwards. Homework is a nightmare. The doctor that assessed him also thought he may be gifted, but I need to get him tested using a verbal test rather than a typical written one.

I knew there was 'something' when he was 4 but it took a while for others to be able to pick up on it. He is also very smart. I think in the earlier years of school he was able to 'cover up' his struggles but now that the curriculum is more challenging, it is more obvious that he has a learning disorder.

I'm not sure if any of that is helpful or not! I hope it is. :)

[edpsychreport]

Thanks very much for these replies.

The EP was not a specialist in high IQ she worked for CAMHS (NHS) and as she said his was one of the highest she had tested would presume she does not see many very high. The book sounds exactly what I wanted to read.

I had booked a phone consultation with NAGC so hope they can help. Am considering asking private EP if they would do a report based on WISC already done.

I presume there was no writing in my sons IQ test - not that I was there but would imagine a very different result if he had to write anything!

Any one else facing these type of issues??

[EyeOfNewtToeOfFrog]

Yes, I would probably look at finding your own EP or other specialist who knows about high IQ kids. From what I have seen of the system so far you really REALLY need to find someone who understands how a high IQ affects a child - and your average class teacher/head/SENCO/LEA EP/CAHMS person just isn't experienced in these areas! Read all you can too.

Sounds like you're doing all of the right things anyway :)

We also went through the school nurse insisting our DD had Asperger's. We took her to a ASD/high IQ specialist at Great Ormond Street who dismissed the AS and said she's just very bright and very different from the other kids because of the high IQ (which explains her social difficulties). We're waiting for the WISC etc at the moment.

The NAGC also have a members forum on their website, btw.

[edpsychreport]

Eyeofnewt - Thanks for this Are you happy to give me details of your contact at Great Ormond Street? Where is the forum on the NAGC website? We found WISC results really helpful in understanding some of his differences and difficulties so hope you do to. Thanks again

[Evilclown]

Hi.

You might like to post here.

there is not much they don't know about testing here


Also has a wealth of information on high IQ kids in general.
What was his digit backwards score compared to digit forwards?

Sorry I have to post and run.

[abeltasman]

I'd also be interested in resources for finding an Ed Psych who is experienced with very bright kids....