Huge cognitive IQ increase in a child that had a delay? Is this possible with AN IEP?

Question

My daughter has an IEP, she has some delays . Her cognitive IQ at her old school was that of a 2 yr old. We moved to a new state and they say her cognitive IQ is normal . It's hard to beleive that her cognitive IQ (18 mothes later) is that of a 5 yr old . I'm wonering if this is possible or if theres an error?

Her first cognitive test was gone at age 3 yrs. and 11 monthes, result were of a 2 yrs,*> 25% delay. My daughter is 5 yr now and just had a new cognitive done and they said it was normal. I know her first cognitive test was verbal ex(pick the ball up)and her 2nd was verbal.

Answer 1

There are many factors involved here, and you have had some very good answers. IQ tests tend to not be very accurate with young children for a whole variety of reasons, and it can be expected that tests given later will produce different scores. It also depends for example, on the particular test used.

Did you daughter have lots of special programming and attention after the first test? If so, that teaching may have helped her make some significant gains in her skills. Does she seem to be progressing very well? If so, her delays may have been developmental, and she may "catch up" quite a bit, given lots of good programming.

With all of that said, it is really impossible for any of us to give you an absolute answer to your question, because we don't know your daughter, which test was used, etc. but anything is possible. However, the difference you describe is quite a big one, and as you said, it is hard to believe that there could be that much improvement so quickly.

Pay particular attention to your daughter and her development over the next months. Stimulate her learning as much as you can. Ask her teacher what you can do at home to help her progress even more than she has, but don't overwhelm her with too much work and practice. Most likely she will be tested again in a year or so, and then you may have a better answer.

Best of luck to you and your daughter.

Answer 2

I am a school psychologist and do the IQ part of the CST evaluation. I can't answer your question without more detail. How old was your daughter when she was 1st tested (with results of a 2 year old) and how old was she 18 months later.

What I can share is that sometimes when I test a preschooler at the early age of 3, they have low IQ's. But then after being in preschool for almost 2 years, we test again before they go into kindergarten and sometimes the IQ does increase b/c of good intervention.

However, and IQ score is not meant to increase or decrease. It should stay relatively the same (there is a 90% confidence interval that it may go up or down a few points). It can change though if a child does not put forth an effort while being tested (which could have been the case with your daughter)

Be careful about asking for a re-test. IQ tests should only be used once a year on a child. Otherwise you have to factor in "learning the test" Its a theory called "test-retest".

**Addition info**
Given the ages you provided, then I'd say yes, her new IQ score was correct, especially if she attended preschool or some time of intervention. It is hard to get an accurate IQ at such a young age, like 3 years old. That is why testing again at 5 is more appropriate. To comment on the responder Robin....how is it that you can say that school psychologist are wrong? We are simply administering a normed assessment and offering the results? Its not an opinion based test!

Answer 3

You don't say how old your child is...Is she a 10 yr old with a 5yr old's IQ or a 6 year old with a 5yr old IQ. What was the #?
It could be that she was not very attentive the first test or just lacked the test-taking skills the first time. Maturity can make a difference, as are mood, time of day, and all the emotional factors that "color" our day!
Then you have the factors of the examiner, if she/he was approachable or friendly or not. Young children may have an emotional reaction to the examiner or being separated from mom, and if your daughter was feeling ok that day.
The other big factor is what kind of tests were given? I would hope a non verbal test. Were the tests the same test? You can't always compare apples to oranges and it is not uncommon for a psychologist to give more than one test. The scores seldom are the exact same so check the names of the test and compare like-tests. Ask the psychologist to review the results again.

Bottom line is, is she making progress? I have some kids with low IQ's who are far better workers than the real bright ones-they will make great employees, some day!


http://iq-test.learninginfo.org/iq02.htm
http://www.faqfarm.com/Q/Are_IQ_tests_really_accurate_and_are_their_results_a_reliable_indicator_of_one's_true_level_of_intelligence
http://www.psychologicaltesting.com/val.htm

Answer 4

It's possible, especially when she is so young. It is said that IQ typically does not stabilize until around age 8. Also, it's possible that if different tests were used, then differences between the tests could account for at least some of the difference. There are many factors to consider. The psychologist or examiner should be able to help answer your questions by looking at all of the information from past and current assessments.

Answer 5

I feel the major question for you, do you feel the assessment now fits the child you see now? There is a huge difference between a cognitive 2 year old and 5 year old. Do you feel the assessment you received from this school matches this child?

If you do not, you have the right to in independent evaluation at the school's expense. You must submit your request in writing and tell them why. They should have copies of the other IEPs so this should be no secret to them. They may suggest someone or you may chose your own evaluator. They may ask you to provide insurance, if you have it as a primary source of payment with the district providing the rest of payment. It is your choice and does not effect whether the evaluation is done or not. Good Luck.

Answer 6

Yes, it's possible. IQ is highly dependent on lots of factors and usually verbal skills are used in children that young to determine IQ. If she had a speech/language delay and received good services, it's entirely possible that her IQ now tests at normal.

However, it is important to not just look at 1 number from one test to determine if she needs services. You must also look at her self-help skills, her functioning, and her abilities in getting along with others.

Also remember that if you just don't trust the assessments, you can ask for more assessments to be done by another party at no cost to you.

Good luck.

Answer 7

it's possible. My brother was given an iq test that said he was slow, but we know that's not true because he is at this point completing all his schoolwork, and getting it done right. (he is in kendergarten)

for a while it was impossible to get him to learn anything, but we put him on a special diet, and gave him a round of hyperbaric treatments. toround it all off, we started him on homeopathy. His teacher didn't know what hit him. my brother used to be the problem child, and then a day or 2 after we started homeopathy, he told my mom that he listened perfectly, got along with all the kids, and was the first to finish his worksheets(before then it was difficult to get him to even look at worksheets.)

i don't think that he's had an IQ test since then, but if he did, it would say he is right where he is supposed to be, or even better, he is very intelligent.

Answer 8

Well besides the differences in laws governing each state, sure its possible. My two daughters and I all have various forms of ADHD, and all three will lag behind in learning things,esp. new things, make a sudden *huge* leap of understanding, even supassing the normal kids [people] and then lagggin real far again. I have noticed my kids also made a big jump at 3-4 yr old, even without intervention. Just don't let them assume it is all fine now, let there be an 'observation' status on the IEP. We did on one area for my older one.

Answer 9

I disagree with one poster. There's no problem with your asking for a second IQ test. In fact, I would find (either from your paperwork or by calling the former school) which IQ test was used initially and see if it's the same IQ test being used this time. I've found that IQ tests can provide different results (and that school psychologists are not always reliable or trustworthy).

Answer 10

i gues you are an american, and i am english, so i will just make some general comments. not every teacher believes that measuring childrens iq or anything else is a good indicator of their abilities. children are complex. if you yourself have not noticed any difference, then there probably isnt any difference. the difference may be in the tests used, or in the administration of them, or on her general health/emotions etc on the day. i am an experienced special needs teacher, so contact me if you need more help (give me more detail) best wishes