Long before I learned that James would need a neuropsychological evaluation (IQ test) in order to receive disability accommodations at Northern Virginia Community College I read a book called Autism: Sensory-Movement Differences and Diversity by Martha Leary and Anne Donnellan. This is the best book out there on what the real challenges are for James and many like him who have a broad diagnosis of “autism” implying social and cognitive disability, but what in reality is a severe motor movement disorder.
One of the chapters in this book is an overview of the history of IQ testing (depressing) and how over the last thirty years people have begun to question the value of the tests and the whole idea of intelligence as quantity. The authors state, “What has never been properly taken into account, however, are the communication, voluntary movement and performance requirements needed to demonstrate competence on these tests. A non-speaking person cannot show knowledge on an oral test. A person with delayed response cannot show actual ability on a timed test. And a person with a certain movement difficulty cannot perform adequately on a test requiring dexterity.”
Fortunately for James we found a psychologist who was willing to figure out how to administer the tests taking into consideration the complexity of his motor movement disability. She had administered IQ tests to some other people who use spelling or typing to communicate and she did an excellent job. She allowed Shannon to hold the letter or key board for him but she was vigilant to observe and document that Shannon was not assisting him in any way with answers.
These tests were administered over four or five days (in different weeks) for 3 hours each day with a half hour break between sessions. If you had told me that James could do that even six months ago I would have strongly doubted it! But he did it and what a hurdle to cross! I say I don’t care what his IQ is and that I don’t believe they measure much of anything but deep down I am thrilled for him that the one who looks like he isn’t “smart” may be the brains in the family. How fun for him to know that he successfully took a test to measure his intelligence and that they didn’t change the test or dumb it down they just let him answer using his most reliable form of communication.
We’ll get the results of the test at the end of next week. I may not tell James the details, he knows the score doesn’t make a bit of difference for anything. Hopefully we’ll get all the needed information to the community college so they will allow a communication assistant in class and James will move forward into his future, believing that all things are possible.
You are breaking down barriers James!!! Your opportunities are limitless. I can’t wait to hear about your college adventures.
Congratulations, James.
Sent from my iPad
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I don’t put much stock in IQ testing. Why? Because I’ve seen IQ testing results change after a time of intensive tutoring and learning therapy.
During the 2015-2016 school term, I watched James improve by leaps and bounds with extending concentration during various class activities in the homeschool group?
I’m so proud of him for his many accomplishments over the past two years (the amount of time that I’ve worked with James). I know that James will fulfill his personal legend; see the novel “The Alchemist.”
BTW, James did not need an IEP for my classes during the 2015-2016 school term!
Mrs Evans,
I can’t put into words how much you’ve helped James and the impact you’ve had on his life. We are grateful everyday for the Mclean Homeschool Group, even when you are giving killer assignments! The Alchemist in on our shelf, I look forward to reading it too!
Brooke
As Debbie said, “It is a joy to watch” as James as he overcomes the hurdles.
And those “killer assignments” encourage the students to reach for the stars. No pain, no gain!
So amazing! I continue to be in awe of James’ drive to better himself! This alone sets him apart from many of his peers; but James’ intelligence, compassion, sensitivity, creativity, and, yes, his ability to articulate (in his own way) show him to be an old soul even while he lives in a rebellious body — something many of us would not survive. But the two parts are coming together in leaps and bounds. It’s a joy to watch!