Question-Global Delays

I live in NC and things are a little different down here with IEPs, developmental preschools, etc.

I have a question and it may come out crudely so I apologize.

My son (almost 3) is going through the transition from EI to the school system. He has made a ton of progress in EI but is still delayed of course.

We just completed his eligibility meeting and he wil be getting 5 days a week, halfday program non-integrated class. He'll get speech, OT and PT there as well.

We are excited he is getting so many services so that he can keep moving forward.

They ruled out any spectrum disorder includung Autism, PPD, etc. He qualified based on overall delays (he is anywhere from 30-40 percent delayed in various areas with speech been he most significant).

My question to you is this-given the signifigance of his delays, is it likely that he is mentally retarded? This is what has been lurking in my brain. I honestly didn't feel in my gut that he was autistic but I cannot shed the feeling I have about mental retardation. I guess only time will tell but I just want to be able to see into the future.

Re: Question-Global Delays

I am happy to read that your son is making progress

As for the whole "mentally retarded" stamp, all that it means is that the individual's IQ is 2 standard deviations below average (70 or below). Medically, they aren't even using the term anymore. "Intellectually disabled" will be the updated term.

IMO, he *could* be ID, but I don't think the global delays are a sure sign of it. If you think about people with CP, they could have speech, fine motor, gross motor delays, but could have a high IQ.

I'm not sure what age they can test for IQ, I imagine it would be around school age, but I wouldn't over think it. that you get your answers!!!

Re: Question-Global Delays

I would look at your child's IQ score and go from there, since MR (which isn't even used anymore), is based on IQ. My son had an IQ test at around age 3, and every 3 years since.

Question-Global Delays

I don't hold to much credit to IQ scores at such a young age. My DD had one at 2.5 and then at 5.5 and scored 40 points higher. Children learn so much in their early years that I do not think the test is a true reflection on their ability.

Re: Question-Global Delays

In NY the kids get an IQ test when they transition from EI to CPSE. Even at that point I don't know how accurate they are. I personally don't believe that delays at 2/3 mean delays for life.

Re: Question-Global Delays

Thanks-you've all been very encouraging. I've also read mostly encouraging things on other sites so I'll try to be positive.

I know all we can do is give him everything we can and hope for the best. It's just so hard to squelch these thoughts.

Thank you again.

Question-Global Delays

I agree with everyone else regarding IQ scores not being accurate at this young age. As a speech language pathologist, I can say that a child with significant speech and language delays cannot always communicate how much he/she knows. How can IQ scores, which obviously rely heavily on a child's ability to communicate expressively and receptively be accurate. That being said, the extent of any intellectual disabilities would be hard to determine at this time.