[proudmama1]

Hi everyone,

Just after some advice. I am debating whether to have my son (7) assessed for giftedness. His teacher strongly suggests it as she thinks it will provide the teachers insight into his learning style and strengths/weaknesses. He is currently performing very well academically, so there are no issues there. However, he does have some negative behaviours, which the teacher believes are due to the giftedness i.e. perfectionism, emotional responses to social injustices etc. There is also a mild issue with auditory instructions - the teacher does not know if this is a mild disability or a weakness due to a more visual style of learning. He does not have problems with auditory instructions at home.

I have spoken to an educational consultant, following a referral from the school. She thinks that my son sounds gifted (hasn't met with him yet though) and didn't seem to think that IQ testing was warranted as it "would only confirm what you already know" and that it would be draining on a young child. Instead, she has suggested that he speak to a cognitive/behavioural psychologist who would be able to provide coping strategies for my son in terms of perfectionism, any anxiety etc.

I am leaning towards having the IQ assessment done, although it would be through the school as I can't afford a private one. It wouldn't be for quite some time though as I was told that as he is doing well academically, it is low priority.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Did you go ahead with the IQ assessment? Was it beneficial?

Thanks.

[AMPSyd]

Sorry to barge in on your thread but I have thought about this as well for my 7Yr old DD.

Interested to hear others responses.

[proudmama1]

Sorry to barge in on your thread but I have thought about this as well for my 7Yr old DD.

Interested to hear others responses.

Barge ahead!

[mum850]

Yes, do it. I just had my youngest tested and she tested much much higher than I thought, which means we are looking at altering what we do with her education. YOu can never have too much info!!

[amabanana]

I would do it. So you know what you are dealing with.

Without going in to too much detail, having DD tested provided us with useful information in a number of areas and has helped her (and the therefore the entire family) at home and at school. I'm able to advocate for her on something evidence based rather than being 'the pushy parent.'

[charlottesmum04]

I would say as well as doing a WISC do a WIAT as well. Combined they will give you alot better idea of which area's your sons talents lie in. We did this in year 4 ( sorry came in from we are discussing ). Agree with PP. Do it because the results can take you on so many different paths depending on the results.

[Gen71]

Often the assessments done through school provide far less detail than those done privately. I would check this.
We had our son assessed privately on school recommendation last year. He was 8. He quite enjoyed the process and certainly did not find it draining! It has been a great help in identifying his weaknesses as well as his strengths.
I am a firm believer that the more info you have, the better equipped you and the teachers are to help your son achieve his best.
You may still need to see a behavioral psycologist, but with an assessment, at least they will know exactly what they are dealing with.
Good luck

[brazen]

the psych should be able to do the IQ assessment so i would go with them good luck

[katrina24]

Hi, after debating about it for ages we had our daughter assessed last week for the same reason. The school requested extra information to help with planning for her so we had it done. She scored higher than I had expected and it has helped with giving accurate information to the school who are going to use it for individual programming. I do have a friend who had the assessment done for the same reason that you describe but in an older child. It turned out he wasn't gifted but had a specific strength in processing speed. This was also helpful for the school to know. I think that it's hard to know exactly where a child's skills lie without an objective assessment. I think if you are doing the test to get information to help the school with programming for your childn's academic or social needs then it is a good idea. Btw, DD loved the assessment, it wasn't draining at all. It was a very positive experience, she got to show thins that she is fabulous at and ingot to see her really enjoying herself and in her element.

[proudmama1]

Thanks for the replies. I have decided to get the IQ assessment done.