Cognitive assessment results

[Designerenvy]

Hi, my ds is 12, just started first year at secondary school last week. He has diagnosis of ASD , diagnosed at age 9. He's been in mainstream primary school with support from resource.
Well, he did a cognitive assessment at his new school last week and it made for very glum reading. He scored below average in 3 areas ( spatial, quantative and non verbal reasoning )and very below average in verbal reasoning. He has history of a language delay also.
I'm so upset for him cos it looks like everything is going to be such an uphill struggle for him. He had a good 2 last year's in primary but that was with a lot of support and hand holding. They "got" him and he knew what was expected....routine was good etc and his sten results were average to low average.
I'm just so worried that his anxiety will go through the roof with all the change of routine/ structure and all that goes with secondary school. He was highly anxious last week , so I asked his class teacher to have a word to reassure him and she did.
I have a meeting with the resource teacher Tues to discuss his needs and the results of this test.
Anybody got any experience with these tests and are they a true reflection of his ability.
I just want things to be easier for him and I'm worried he'll drown under the pressure of it all.

I don't have experience of this but it must be upsetting getting these results. Like any test, there can be false or misleading results. I think that IQ/cognitive tests are very sensitive. Were they carried out by an EP or the school? If you haven't had advice from an EP through the school can you ask your local service if they offer a free drop in service? They might be able to review the results and offer advice. They may also be able to advise on whether you should apply for an EHCP. Good luck

Hi Tartan, it was the school did the test in a group setting. I've a meeting with his resource teacher Tues to discuss his results.
I was so upset reading them . I'm in Ireland and I've never heard of a drop in service for advice but I'll Def look into it.
Is an EHCP an educational psychology review.? We might have different terminology here 🤔🤔!
Thank u for your reply. As I said, I just want things to be easier for him x

Ah yes all the terminology will be different. An EHCP is a "statement" of SEN which is an individualised plan with extra funding attached. The EP assessment is a key part of getting one. I've no idea what your system would be though. Do you have a body like IPSEA who can advise?

Tests done in a group setting sounds a little odd to me - in my in expert opinion!

I tried downloading some online cognitive tests to use with my son last year and all of them said it should be a qualified professional testing a student one-to-one.... if I were you I'd ask exactly which tests/publisher etc they used and google them to see if the results are likely to be reliable.

Good luck

Thanks Tartan. It's the CAT4 assessment. I've been googling and it looks like a lot of school's use it here to assess what kids should be achieving grade wise.
The school actually phoned me this evening to say they want to repeat the test in a quiet/ less formal environment, in a couple of weeks once he's settled in. They feel, on reviewing it that he might have been overwhelmed .
Now, he was fierce anxious last week ( 1st week and everything was new to him), so, just maybe it's not a true reflection.
At least they are taking notice and seem willing to help / support him. Thanks for you're reply.....I know it's hard when we're both in different countries with different systems !
Hoping his repeat assessment in a couple of weeks will make for better reading 🙏

Gosh that sounds really promising that they're going to re-test without being asked! I'm not sure our school would've done that. Best of luck

Thanks Tartan, I'm fairly impressed alright. Thanks again.