new to the board...being tested

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2004
new to the board...being tested
3
Fri, 02-24-2006 - 8:17pm

Hello :)

My ds is 10 yo, and so far has been dx as ld in math, a disorder of written expression, gifted, and also has fine motor, language, and sensory problems. However, he is still having a great deal of trouble in the social skills area and we just decided (with his school's gentle prodding) that we want to have him tested at our provincial children's hospital. In some ways, he does fit the Aspergers profile, but he also fits the Non Verbal LD one, and with the thread on gifted, we're completely unsure. But I thought I'd introduce myself rather then just lurk.

I'm totally a newbie to this sort of testing, what should I expect? Any tips? Reading many of your posts sounds like my son, which in some ways is a bit scary to me. The ironic thing is that I'm a special ed para, and so I've worked with special needs kids for 13 years. It's a bit different when it's your own though.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 02-25-2006 - 11:20am

Hi and Welcome! I recognize you from some of the other ivillage boards.

How long will it take to have him evaluated at the children's hospital do you think? Sometimes the wait is the hardest part. There was recently a mom here whose children where diagnosed with NLD too so she knows more about that.

Ya know, I think it really depends on who you see what kind of evaluation they may do particularly with an older child. I would guess that they would want to review all his previous testing. Interview you and him. And then perhaps do the GADS (Gilliam Aspergers diagnostic scale - I think) or the ASDS (Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale). I know the ASDS is a interview style questionaire and I believe the GADS is the same way. They ask you questions about him or give you a form to fill out about his behaviors, strengths, needs, etc. Then they score it.

The ASDS doesn't say "yes definitely AS" but rather the results are "not likely to have as, Likely, highly likely" or something like that, LOL. My son had the ASDS in 2nd grade and it was filled out by 2 teachers and myself. Though myself and 1 teacher scored about the same, the other teachers score was vastly different showing it isn't a full proof test.

If you have had a WISC done for him there is one thing you can do for yourself. It isn't full proof at all, but I have read that kids with ASD tend to score lower on the comprehension and ...I think maybe the coding subtests. It has been a while. I know 2 of the scores together (One being comprehension) graded social comprehension. Not all kids who score lower on those subtests are definitely AS and considering your son is LD it is possible that he would anyway. But both my kids definitely did and I know I have read that it is common amung ASD kids.

Also, on the WISC, kids with NLD tend to score much higher on VIQ (vebal) than on PIQ (performance). In fact I think that is part of the diagnosis for NLD.

Good luck with getting all the testing and such accomplished.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2004
Sat, 02-25-2006 - 12:11pm

Hi! Welcome to the board!

I recognize you from some of the other boards too! I have 2 boys, Tyler 9 NT and Nathan 7 HFA. Good luck with your son's evaluation, and let us know how things go! Glad you came to join us!

michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-15-2004
Sat, 02-25-2006 - 11:06pm

Hi and welcome,

You'll find some very knowledgeable and compassionate moms here. I would not have survived, were it not for the advice and enouragement they have shared with me.

I have a 10 yo son who sounds like yours. I have a neurotypical DD (13) also. And I have a degree in Speech and Language. I missed alot of early signs. I don't think it's so unusual. I think we have our "Mommy" hats on.

We are currently getting an independent evaluation (the school system is paying for it ). It has been an eye-opening experience. I am glad we are finally going to have a diagnosis. It does make it easier to know how to handle things with my son.

Good Luck!

Paula and Joel (10 yo charming , funny, intelligent and Aspergers)