Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional should I assess at Harbor Regional Center in LA?

I have a 6 year old that I think may be 2e, aspergers & gifted or just gifted. I am not sure. A friend recommended Harbor Regional Center for assessment. They are a CA state run program and their services are free (which my husband really likes). HRC assesses for learning disabilities and autism spectrum issues. They do not test for giftedness. But, when I talk to the person at HRC, she said they will test IQ and achievement. They are generally looking for mental retardation, clearly not our issue, but she said they will not cap the test at a certain level. She also said they have tested gifted children who are on the spectrum and receive services for the autism at HRC. Does anyone have experience with assessments at HRC? Thanks. [I have posted this discussion in Assessments, Region, and 2e forums.]

I'm pretty sure part of the assessment for an ASD anywhere includes IQ testing, but I'm not sure about the achievement testing at that time.

My son was diagnosed with an ASD when he was 3 and gets periodic IQ tests as part of IEP development for the school.

I cannot answer specifically about HRC, though. You are right to have your 6 year old assessed if you have questions, and the earlier the better!

Nan

Hi Morubin,

I'm not in CA and so have no experience with Regional Centers. I will say that UCLA has a very famous center for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. (The program at our children's hospital is an offshoot of theirs.)

Any reputable place testing for Asperger's/autism would also test IQ as part of their workup, and that would give you a good sense of where you stand.

I recommend the discussion board at http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/ if you have questions about testing or diagnosis of Asperger's. There are experienced parents there, including some parents of 2E kids.

DeeDee