Yucky test results

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Yucky test results
7
Tue, 01-31-2006 - 12:06am

Hey All,

We have been having Mike's langauge skills assessed to possibly add pull out speech services for him. Up until now pull outs weren't an option for him due to anxiety but he was doing better this year so we decided to re-asses and see what happens.

Typcially kids with AS/HFA do fairly well on langauge tests since they have a good vocabulary. Also often they can figure out the right answers in a sterile testing situation but can't utilize those skills in natural situations. I was all set for this and ready to argue my point of how he doesn't use all these great skills in real life.

Well, his testing came back alot lower than I had anticipated. He had 2 evals with a total of about 6-7 subtests I think. Of those subtests he got3 in the very low to below average range. 1-%ile, 10%ile and 16%ile, then the others were in the average range. BTW his IQ tests superior range so that even tests in the average range show a definite difference for what he should have.

Also, even on the tests he scored well the way they score standardized tests is weird. When a child gets a certain number incorrect that is the ceiling where you stop. Where you end has alot to do with what score they get. Well you had to get 5 wrong in a row to end. Mike was frequently getting 4 wrong, then the 5th right. Get one or 2 right and then 3-4 wrong again. So even some of the ones in the average range he didn't do very well and that is in the notes on the report.

Plus, the one where he got 10%ile, the only questions he got write are the skills he had been specifically working on with the psychologist in his play therapy.

Well supposidly here in lovely Cali you have to have 2 subtests below the 7%ile to qualify for speech (though we will likely be able to get him services due to above reasons). So I start to think maybe that isn't so bad. Maybe it is fairly typical. I mean most AS kids score well on language in sterile environments but maybe some don't.

So I spoke briefly to his psychologist/therapist tonight when he went for play therapy. She was very concerned. Felt it was very significant. Did an informal evaluation tonight during play therapy and I will see her on wednesday to discuss all this. YUCK!

Now I am kind of freaking out. I have felt for a while he was losing skills. This is mostly in the pragmatic areas but as a point of reference, last time he was tested all his language scores were higher, signficantly so.

Thanks for leting me vent.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-15-2003
In reply to: rbear4
Tue, 01-31-2006 - 7:34am
Renee,
I am sorry you got discouraging results. We are also seemingly in the midst of a regression right now, and it is so frustrating. When your child fights so hard for gains, it is miserable to see changes in the wrong direction. Here's hoping something cheerful happens soon.
Chrissy
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
In reply to: rbear4
Tue, 01-31-2006 - 10:16am

Dear Renee,

Yes, I can understand why you are so concerned. He is a smart guy, why are his test scores lower, that is definitely worrisome. ((((HUGS)))) But in the answer may lie more of why Mike has been escalating in difficulty lately...

At least you can talk with other knowledgable people, such as therapist, and have a team to help you continue to sort this out. I do know one kid, a couple of years younger than Mike, who doesn't test well at all but, in actuality, has pretty nifty conversational and interactive play skills for AS kid. (In and around his current animal obsession)

Good luck to you and Mikey.

Sara

Avatar for betz67
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: rbear4
Tue, 01-31-2006 - 10:26am

Hi Renee,

((((HUGS)))) the test results aren't very incouraging but the fact that he'll get help is. The lagging language problems may explain some of the reason he's had such a hard time lately. At least they're stepping up and taking notice. (Weston's teachers were concerned that he hasn't been acting himself-- more reserved and "away" than normal, refusing to do simple requests, oppositional body postures, etc-- and they passed it off with a shrugg of the shoulders as "hormones"-- geez!)

I hope the therapist and Mike have a great working relationship and he's able to get back what he's lost!

Betsy

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2005
In reply to: rbear4
Tue, 01-31-2006 - 12:16pm

Hi Renee,

I don't have any advice but wanted to send you hugs too and let you know I am thinking of you and Mike. I always get nervous during Eric's evaluation periods (we do them every 6 mos, just finished one.) It is especially hard when there is a surprise. Hang in there.

I know what you mean about the way the tests are done and the criteria schools use for getting services. In our case, Eric's recent OT eval showed his fine motor skills to be at 24 mos. (he is almost 4). He has received this same score for the last two evals. It depressed me to think he had made no progress in this area, despite all our hard work. However, now his delay is enough that he can get services at school. Like Mike, it also partly explains some behavior/emotional issues we have been having. His desire to do things does not match is ability, and he gets frustrated and acts out. I'm sure you've seen this with your children.

But mostly I just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. You have had a lot on your plate lately.

Hugs, hugs, hugs!
Katherine

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2004
In reply to: rbear4
Tue, 01-31-2006 - 2:28pm

Renee,

I also wanted to pass on some hugs! It is nice though, that you have someone to discuss this with, and help you out with your concerns. Hopefully they'll be able to work on Mike's language skills so that he can regain what he's lost or having difficulties with.

Hang in there!

michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-11-2003
In reply to: rbear4
Tue, 01-31-2006 - 5:48pm

HUGS and vibes you can get the service Mike needs++++++++++++++++

Samantha

Samantha
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: rbear4
Tue, 01-31-2006 - 7:06pm

Thank you all!

It is a bummer. I hope we can get him supports he needs but sometimes it just feels useless, but that is a different topic entirely, lol. I know that it helps with learning individual skills and helps them with those things. and that sometimes it takes a while to learn new skills, I just sometimes wonder if all the work really reaps the benefits.

Renee

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