Accurate IQ tests

Just wondering, how accurate is an IQ test on a 2-3 year old w/ autism?

B/f's son IQ changed signicantlly from when he was 2-3 until he was 5 1/2.

~TIA,
Crasher

Re: Accurate IQ tests

Ridiculously INaccurate. Howon earth can you get an accurate score from a 2 1/2 year old who has a social communication disorder? It's like asking us to take a test in Chinese.
(Can you tell that this is a sore point with me?!?)

Re: Accurate IQ tests

As with ANY IQ test given to any person of any age, the scores fall with in a range (its called the Confidence Interval range). As in, if they were to be retested tomorrow, the score is 95% likely to fall within this range. That range can be 4 or 5 points lower and higher.

The most commonly used IQ test for children ages 2-5 to 7 years, the WPPSI-III, has Verbal and Performance (Non verbal) Composites. Even if the child is non-verbal, their visual-perceptual integration skills are scored, along with their problem solving skills, their frustration tolerance, their ability to attend, all of which should be discussed in the report.

Even within the Verbal Composite, there are different subtests, and even portions of subtests, that measure receptive and expressive communication, so if one is better developed than the other, that is taken into consideration.

There is SO much more than just the Full Scale IQ score that should be considered. YOu really cant go by just the number alone - the report is the way to determine if results are an accurate estimation of his cognitive functioning.

ed again: To answer the OP question, it is entirely possible that both IQ measurements were "accurate." If the original assessment was conducted when the child was unable to attend for any period of time, if they had difficulty understanding directions, some subtests are timed, so if they didnt supply a response within the allotted time period, if he was tired, cranky, (behaviors typical of a 2 year old!) any of these factors, or factors similar, could have "brought down" so to speak, the Full Scale score. HOwever, all should have been noted in the report. Along the same lines, if the child now has had any type of schooling experience which would develop his ability to attend, to follow directions, etc, it is entirely likely that the current results are accurate as well.

THe behavioral aspect of any IQ testing situation says a LOT about whether the results should be considered accurate, or a "minimal estimation" of the childs cognitive functioning.

Message edited 11/12/2010 9:55:49 PM.

Re: Accurate IQ tests

I personally don't think they are very accurate.

My son had a problem with language, so when they gave instructions he really didn't understand, kwim? They were telling him to arrange blocks in a certain way and he had no idea what they were saying. I explained it to him and he was able to do it. It's hard to measure kids with language problems.

His final score was fine (within normal range) but I really think he could have done much better. He made a lot of simple errors, like not being able to identify a vacuum.

Re: Accurate IQ tests

All tests can give inacurate results due to a variety of circumstances so they shouldn't be taken to seriously but they help you see certain things your child may or may not know. I taught a child who was going to a special ed school and coming home with some nice arts and craft projects, but I never saw him come home with academic learning for homework except a letter U which he traced. The ironic thing was that as I checked how far he could go I realized he had a strength academically for writing, reading, spelling, and social communication and so I encoraged him in that direction. At 4 he began reading to a six year who didn't have autism and didn't know how to read.
The initial IQ test may have blurred the teachers at his school from unlocking his true potential, as it happens with all people who are given labels.
To me I see children as winners, and what do you know- they start winning far beyond my expectations.

Re: Accurate IQ tests

Thanks everyone.

I got word from the aid that was with him during the second test at age 5 1/2 and the aid she he was a mess during the test. Not listening, answering questions wrong that she knew he knew.

The dad feels better about his score after hearing that.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Re: Accurate IQ tests