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Kathryn
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| Posted: Jan 24 2011 at 12:54pm | IP Logged
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Update 3/22: We rec'd the preliminary results last week from most of this testing and as from 3 yrs ago the results were still "inconclusive". I suppose what this means is that he doesn't fall anywhere within a specific learning disability classification. The same results showed up as 3 years ago:
problems with task sequencing
very poor working memory
low total iq (could just be a slow learner?)
lots of attention/focus issues during testing
ruled out any stress, anxiety, depression
he actually had a high self-esteem rating (may be too high sometimes  )
From the speech and hearing dept., he is now receiving tutoring for dyslexia although again it wasn't clear cut but there were enough signs that this reading program should help either way.
So, the long and short is (of course being in an educational setting where the testing was done) now the push to enroll him in public school so he can "receive all the services and teachers that are trained to help him with these issues". So, I get that and I struggle with that b/c it does seem so hard to help him as I can't buy this curriculum in a box or modify everything to accommodate him and his needs. Yes, I do know him better than anyone but I'm not sure I'm equipped with all that's required to give him all he needs to get him the education he needs.
Thoughts?
end 3/22 update
Sooo...my son is set to take these assessments next Monday and we originally were checking for any learning disabilities and then were referred to the dept to screen for ADD and general intelligence. However, there's some testing on here that has me a bit nervous. Here's the list they gave me of the assessments they'll be doing.
Intelligence: WISC-IV
Visual-Motor integration (VMI)
Learning: test of info processings skills
Child Behavior Checklist & Teacher's Report Form
Parenting Stress Index
Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (huh...his self concept?)
Adlerian Interview ?
ADD Evaluation Scale
Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (anxiety?! well, he prob. does have some of this)
Child's Depression Inventory (?!?! what kind of questions could they be asking for this?)
Anyone been through this and help calm my nerves. They said this takes about 4 hours and it starts early in the morning. This just seems like a LOT that some doesn't even relate to what we're seeking help for.
ETA: Ok...I did some searching and found the questions specifically to Child's Depression Inventory. My concern is the question relating to "I want to kill myself". I know my son and although he does have some anxiety tendencies, I would not want them asking him that question. I don't think that's even a thought that would ever cross his mind and I certainly wouldn't want him to think people do that. I know people do but not at his age and maturity level...that's too heavy.
Also, how can some of these tests be effective when we know he already has a difficult time expressing himself which is why he's been receiving tutoring for receptive and expressive speech for 2 years?!
I don't know but the self-concept, anxiety and depression one seem to fall outside the bounds of what help we are seeking. I am leary of anyone that doesn't know him, spending 4 hours alone w/ him to do these assessments and then making subjective conclusions. Am I being unreasonable?
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Kathryn in TX
(dd 16, ds 15, dd 8, dd 5)
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Taffy
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| Posted: Jan 24 2011 at 3:53pm | IP Logged
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Well, take my opinion with a grain of salt but I'm going to share it with you anyway... 
Are these tests going to be given/administered by someone who already knows you and your child? And will the people who has access to these test results be those who will be spending a significant amount of time with your son? Having gone through this road somewhat with my autistic son and with my aspergers son, I've come to approach these tests with a large degree of caution. Unfortunately, the tendency seems to be to use these test results as a substitute for taking the time to get know the individual being tested. And, as you've already pointed out, this can lead to errors in assessment and wasted time on unnecessary therapies. In particular, this is true for those who have problems with language.
Do you know why these tests are suggested and what is going to be learned/determined about your son with these tests? There are legitimate reasons to test but if you feel that they are being used to substitute rather than supplement the assessment then I'd be cautious and request more information before proceeding.
Long story short, no, I don't think you're being too cautious and do not hesitate to question those who are ordering the tests.
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Susan
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Susan's Soliloquy
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Aagot
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| Posted: Jan 24 2011 at 8:25pm | IP Logged
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most tests are very unreliable if there is difficulty in expressing ones self. for example a child who scored in the 1st % in expressive speech scored 68 on an IQ test. The IQ test results had to be thrown out. I know this child and she is very intelligent she just doesn't have expressive skills to deal with the test.
I am sure this is true with other speech delays as well.
I also agree with what Susan said. Maybe you can get them to narrow down the scope of the tests?
Aagot
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Kathryn
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| Posted: Jan 26 2011 at 9:17pm | IP Logged
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Taffy wrote:
Are these tests going to be given/administered by someone who already knows you and your child? |
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No, these people have never met my son.
Taffy wrote:
Do you know why these tests are suggested and what is going to be learned/determined about your son with these tests? |
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We were referred thru his speech and language tutor to the university's SL Dept. Based on those results, she felt we needed to do further testing at their Child & Family Resource Clinic (specifically IQ testing, processing skills and ADD). Then I get this checklist and there's all these behavior/personality, self-concept, anxiety and depression tests too. There is some behavior issues but problems w/ his self-concept, anxiety or depression are not an issue and not what we were referred to them for. I just didn't know if these were "standard" tests specific to getting an ADD diagnosis or not. Nobody's ever said my son has self-esteem, anxiety or depression issues...EVERYONE has said he has trouble paying attention and learning. That's where I want the focus to be so when I go tomorrow I guess I tell that to the tester. ? I'm just concerned she'll look at me like "If it's no big deal, then why not just do the tests?" In my head, I already feel like I'm going to be put on the defensive.
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Kathryn in TX
(dd 16, ds 15, dd 8, dd 5)
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drmommy
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| Posted: Jan 27 2011 at 9:30am | IP Logged
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I just had those done a few months ago for my daughter. I was really leery and asked a bunch of questions...which helped. It wasn't a four hour test,but the educational psychologist broke it up in to 4 or 5 visits, which helped.
It was actually a good thing to have under our belt. I knew my daughter was behind and cognitively delayed,but believe it or not, I was unsure of where she was really. It turned out to be good...a speech expressive delay, and the psych said that she is more intelligent that what shows on the tests, because of her speech delay. So, the test helped me to tune in on what her strengths and weaknesses were, even though I already knew somewhat. However,it gave me a "back up" when I needed one. I would recommend it highly, and just remember it is a test, that is all.
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Taffy
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| Posted: Jan 27 2011 at 9:31am | IP Logged
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Because you are a concerned mother who loves her son and because you are anxious about what kinds of questions these tests will be asking, you will feel defensive, no matter what. Been there, done that, you are not alone in feeling this way. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory.
It's best to remember that you are the expert when it comes to your son. You know him much better than the professionals do. And you are undoubtedly more concerned for his welfare. (I'm not saying that these testers and other professionals aren't concerned for your son's welfare. But, they are not the ones dealing with him 24/7.)
Hope things go well for you both and that these tests give you some answers.
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Susan
Mom to 5 on earth and 1 in heaven
Susan's Soliloquy
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drmommy
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| Posted: March 29 2011 at 10:14am | IP Logged
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Yes, after my daughter received her test results from the psychologist, it was recommended that she attend public school. I said, "been there, done that", and the fact that the school did not recognize her needs was shocking to the psychologist. I have come to the conclusion, that the school was basing their conclusions on the budget. Really. My daughter has Worster-Drought Syndrome, mild/Moderately cognitively delayed, chokes on food, and has attention deficit (due to her brain malfunction in that area). The school refused any services that she should have qualified for..so that is why we homeschool! That being said, I now get "grief" from doctors, until I explain the story, of why she DOESN'T go to public school. Ok, now that I have said my peace/piece , I homeschooler her using regular curriculum one step at a time. It is difficult, because I sometimes have to spend so long on a lesson, and explain it over and over. She does "get it" eventually, but I am wondering if she will improve as her brain gets larger, or what. She has a rare condition, so most of the doctors have no idea of what her future will be like.
May God bless you on your hard work and love for your child. These decisions are so critical and hard, and a lot of prayer for discernment will help you to make the right decision for YOUR child.
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4Real Forums : Special Blessings
Topic: Psychoeducational Assessment Test-RESULTS
