All About Autism

[woggles]

hi…

to add onto Tamama’s post on IQ test.
many IQ tests around… from what I know when asking around, in Singapore, the mostly used IQ tests are either the Standford Binet or WPPSI or WISC-IV. If child is 6 and below, SB or WPPSI would be the tests administered cos WISC is for children 6-17yo.
If you google, you have rough idea the kind of format, sub-tests, matrix that constitute the tests.

CP or EPs would definitely check that the age of child matches to the norms of the tests - just double check like what Tamama says.
One thing that 2 private EPs did advise me was this: to hold off on the testing until child is older about 6yo and above. This is their and my personal opinion so NOT saying that this will apply for everyone. Couple of reasons for testing IQ later:

- Test results are only valid for 2 years. From what I understand, it’s required for entry into certain schools or for exemptions/ certain concessions, IQ test scores are not required for ASD interventions. Pls correct me if I’m wrong.

- Certain parts of the test requires child to be able to focus, pay attention etc. As our ASD children grow and mature + received intervention, several of their behavioural/sensory issues may have been worked out. This can impact on their ability to focus and work through the 2-3hr IQ test.

- DS at age 5 had many sensory issues: e.g. self-distract whenever there is a fan or spinning object, fixation on numbers and temper tantrum/ even meltdown when we want to change task/ flip page etc.
By age 6yrs 11months (we did full psych test + ADOS then), we had worked out all his sensory issues & he was able to focus and respond properly even if EP switches from one IQ subtest of numbers to pictures.

I don’t think DS’s IQ drastically improved or changed cos we did it later. But there’s no denying that testing is never truly objective - and the test scores can be impacted by so many factors: the psychologist doing test, our child’s mood that day, our children’s ability to focus, "chemistry" between P & child etc etc. Personally, I think it doesn’t hurt for us to help our children along such that they are emotionally and physically ready to reveal their potential (intelligence is quite subjective after all!). HTHs

[ImMeeMee]

wamin:

same question as helplessmum3?

My son is turning 5 this December and will go for IQ test next year, anyone have any idea what they do in IQ test?

We did a sharing at the following location (pg 381) of this thread. Pretty similar to what Tamama has shared. Do check it out.

http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=935&start=3800

[ImMeeMee]

Gosh, who would have thought that we are already at 500 page plus and still going strong ...


:celebrate:

[Tamama]

woggles:

hi...

to add onto Tamama's post on IQ test.
many IQ tests around... from what I know when asking around, in Singapore, the mostly used IQ tests are either the Standford Binet or WPPSI or WISC-IV. If child is 6 and below, SB or WPPSI would be the tests administered cos WISC is for children 6-17yo.
If you google, you have rough idea the kind of format, sub-tests, matrix that constitute the tests.

CP or EPs would definitely check that the age of child matches to the norms of the tests - just double check like what Tamama says.
One thing that 2 private EPs did advise me was this: to hold off on the testing until child is older about 6yo and above. This is their and my personal opinion so NOT saying that this will apply for everyone. Couple of reasons for testing IQ later:

- Test results are only valid for 2 years. From what I understand, it's required for entry into certain schools or for exemptions/ certain concessions, IQ test scores are not required for ASD interventions. Pls correct me if I'm wrong.

- Certain parts of the test requires child to be able to focus, pay attention etc. As our ASD children grow and mature + received intervention, several of their behavioural/sensory issues may have been worked out. This can impact on their ability to focus and work through the 2-3hr IQ test.

- DS at age 5 had many sensory issues: e.g. self-distract whenever there is a fan or spinning object, fixation on numbers and temper tantrum/ even meltdown when we want to change task/ flip page etc.
By age 6yrs 11months (we did full psych test + ADOS then), we had worked out all his sensory issues & he was able to focus and respond properly even if EP switches from one IQ subtest of numbers to pictures.

I don't think DS's IQ drastically improved or changed cos we did it later. But there's no denying that testing is never truly objective - and the test scores can be impacted by so many factors: the psychologist doing test, our child's mood that day, our children's ability to focus, \"chemistry\" between P & child etc etc. Personally, I think it doesn't hurt for us to help our children along such that they are emotionally and physically ready to reveal their potential (intelligence is quite subjective after all!). HTHs

:goodpost: so well said. :snuggles:

[Blokus]

ImMeeMee:

tyeogh:

Look at what came in today. As a background, DS regular doctor is at NUH CDU. I brought him to KKH 1 month ago to be assessed separately.



Dear Mr Xxx,
 
Apologies for my delayed reply .  I have received a reply from AWWA only on 07.11.2013 and hence the delay.
 
The teachers and therapists at AWWA  have noted that Xxx primarily has difficulties with his language abilities.
He is improving in terms of eye contact and class interaction skills. He has noted to have fair intent to communicate with his teachers and peers.
They did note that he had difficulties in transitioning from activities at school but this has been improving recently.
 
Overall, based on the above input, I feel that Xxx is not having Autism.
 
However, to be on a  cautious note, I would still prefer that he is evaluated by a psychologist at our Department.

This evaluation will consist of an informal interaction with Xxx. Based on what progresses in the session, the psychologist will be able to comment on whether Xxx will need further autism assessments or not.
 
Do let me know if you are  agreeable for the above plans and I shall proceed accordingly.
 
 
Thanks
 
Dr Xxx
Senior Resident Physician
Dept of Child Development
 

tyeogh

Just to share my journey. When ds was 2.5-4.5 yo, i was worried he was on the spectrum. The drs and therapists werent sure either as he displayed some social issues at that age. I believe if I had had him tested around this period, he would be diagnosed as pdd-nos or mild autism. But for some reason, the assessment tests were always put off (thank God!). This wandering in the wilderness went on until he was 5.5 yo. Suddenly but slowly, he broke out of his shell. The moment he crossed his 6 th birthday, he began to 'normalised' day by day until today, I'm more than sure he's fine. I'm trying to say, perhaps some boys just need more time? I know you just have heard this many times. And oh, I do know of cases where a child was officially diagnosed as aspergers at an early age only to have the dr reversed the diagnosis later. So it's possible. Hope this helps some way or another.

[buds]

Tamama:

Hi there,
I am very quiet all along but periodically I check back this forum. My boy is now 6. He is autistic, his diagnosis will be out soon...
Since few years ago we noticed my boy was different. Then we went thro similar stages as all of you have experienced. When my boy was four years old, we adopted a dog. I personally am an animal lover. And my older girl loves animal as well. So when the chance came up, we adopted.
Our beloved pet is a golden retriever. She is a darling to everyone. She was four years old when we adopted her. My girl loves her, I love her, and my boy loves her.
As day goes by, we noticed our dog is not just a dog. She is one of my boy's therapist. When I taught my boy how to react with animal nicely, my pet opened up lots if chances for him to learn. Their interaction increases everyday. The learning is never ending, and so much fun. My dog is my awesome partner to guide and teach my boy (and my girl as well). Even the ABA centre is using my dog as a topic to teach my boy pragmatic. He also learns to take care of others, to observe others feelings, which is uneasy for a lot of autistic kids.
So for me, I will say it is fantastic to have a pet. I never thought that she is hugely beneficial to my family. She is my kids' teacher indeed. She also is my psychotherapist. When I have down time as a mom, she is always by my side and offering her big golden furry body for hugging. Did you hear this before? When everything fails, hug a dog! So true!
Two years since we kept her now, the love between us is still deepening. We are inseparable now.
So if you ask me if a pet is good for our special kids? I definitely give a positive answer. Only thing is, it is a long term commitment to take care of a pet. They may only live for ten years. They aged. They weakened. Illness may invade. At the golden age of our pets, we must be there for them. Because to us, they are just dogs, but to them, we are their world, their everything. :please:

Tamama, this is too good to read thru and definitely deserves a :hugs: … and this… :love: and finally this… :goodpost: Thanks for this, babe.

[buds]

tyeogh:

What a weekend!! I have a good report.


On my usual Friday date night, DW told me DS mainstream form teacher spoke to her.

DW has been avoiding this form teacher. Some 6 months back, this form teacher called for a formal meeting with DW to ask us to consider placing DS in another kindy. Said she can't handle DS. DW ignored her. We figured since we already paid, we will just continue whether the form teacher likes it or not. So the form teacher kept up with her complaints about DS. Calls DS \"fan dui tang\" (opposition party) for refusing to cooperate and/or tantrums. Dropped him from year end concert. She also recommended DS repeat Nursery level and that \"she was letting us know early so that we can book the slot\". We accepted her recommendation. It was better than being kicked out.

So this SAME form teacher finally caught up with DW a few days ago. Not to complain but to congratulate DW! Said DS improved dramatically recently. Said DS is now both cooperative and responsive. This SAME form teacher now says \"at the rate he is improving, you may want to switch him back to K1 next year, not repeat Nursery\". As if to re-confirm, her assistant teacher also agreed with her findings.

I almost fell off my chair. Haven't slept in 2 nights since. Euphoric.

The same teacher who downgraded my son 6 months ago is changing her stance. How does one sleep?!

Fellow warriors here. Keep pressing on!!

If you are offended by religion, kindly ignore the below. Thank you

(Believers, keep saying Mark 11:23 over your child!)

You brought me on a profound emotional ride with this post, tyeogh.. sad, hurt, later on a lil pissed, then to sheer jubilance.. it's like i can feel these emotions through your writing. Because you believed and because you pressed on, he won't give up on you. This is the best news any parent can attest to. :hugs: Congratulations, the best-est has yet to come. :evil:

[optrex80]

My kid was diagnosed with mild autism when he turn 4 plus. No speech till 4 years… His speech is improving after going to speech therapy. He has a strong liking with puzzles,enjoy learning but very poor on socializing due to his lack of speech and language ability. He still do not know how to engage in a 2 way communication or relating his experiences in school to us. We can only pray hard that one day he really can outgrow or normalized…May I ask if they are any good activities or enrichment classes we can send our ASD kid for during the holiday?

[belachanbabe]

ImMeeMee:

Gosh, who would have thought that we are already at 500 page plus and still going strong ...


:celebrate:

I thank God for this forum too! Especially this rollercoaster year of pri 1 registrations, IQ assessments, worries about future, what-ifs ~ possible wrong decisions etc etc. Oh and also the opportunity to 'keng' work so that I can check back to this thread often kekekeke :rahrah:

Suspect Mr Taiko also likes it here coz its all ladies and one nebbermind gentleman

[wamin]

Thank you all for your valuable answers.

We have seen tremendous improvement since he join Early intervention and he is attending Early intervention from last 2 years.
Speech is a problem, number of times i do hear him saying daddy (but it is not as clear as how we speak). He also know a few words but he is non verbal (early intervention school told us he is attending speed therapy on weekly basis) but we are still waiting to him to open up.