Jude’s Evaluation Results
After weeks of meetings, tests, and questionnaires we finally received the results from Jude’s full psychological evaluation. It’s a very complex process with equally complex results but ultimately we learned that Jude doesn’t have any major psychological issues or learning disabilities.
He did score on the low end of the spectrum for ADHD and that was primarily because of his hyperactivity. He also scored average in all of the academic areas which ruled out a learning disability. But it appears his major struggle comes from his IQ. Overall he has an above average IQ. There are apparently several different areas of the IQ test and in most areas he scored slightly above average, however his visual IQ score was at the top of the chart. The discrepancy between his visual IQ and the other areas is where his struggle lies. Visual learning and subjects that require strong visual and spatial abilities come very easily to him which makes other areas seem more difficult to him (even though is is on-par or slightly above average in those areas). Mix that with his struggle to maintain focus and drive to be active and there in lies the basis for most of the challenges we face with Jude.
Of course the doctors recommended a variety of treatments including medication for the ADHD. However, we are hoping to avoid medication if possible, especially since he didn’t score significantly in those areas. So right now we are doing our research on how to assist a visually gifted child. We plan to continue to homeschool Jude for the remainder of the school year but will try to implement visually based learning techniques. Thankfully I already knew he was predisposed to visual learning and selected curriculum accordingly.
None of the test results were all that surprising, although I was shocked to see just how high his IQ was for visual. I’m glad we took the time to have him evaluated because it gives us a solid framework from which to build an action plan for his future. I often wondered if he had ADHD but didn’t realize there could me so many other variables that could effect his behavior. Now instead of guessing about what will work best for him we have a better understanding of how his brain works.
It gives me great peace of mind to know how to help him and also knowing he doesn’t have any developmental delays or other disorders. We were prepared to assist him in any way we needed but right now it just looks like he needs an environment that will be encouraging and can be tailored to his unique learning style.
