Hi Dottie,

The test used was a modified IQ test - as far as I understand it. It's based on Cartell Horn Carrell theory (which I hear is the way things are going). It had 3 components (well 7 but they only used 3 in this version) crystallized knowledge, fluid reasoning and visual processing. I asked them how it translated into an IQ score and they explained that people aren't using IQ scores any more (this in spite of the fact that it's all I see everywhere on the internet). In any case it is based on the same elements as IQ tests. I hope that helps. I'm not sure if the previous test (the one my older son took) was an IQ based test or an achievement test. I know that it had a writing component which many agree can create a biased score.

Thoughts?

I'd strongly recommend reading the Eidie's http://dyslexicadvantage.com/
book. They talk about 'non-linear' thinkers in a much broader way than the classic 'Right brain thinkers/VS learners' model. They stress that the key is 'global v. detail' thinkers - and adding that some global thinkers are strongly visual, and some are not. The ones who are strongly global but not visual turn out to be our weak spellers who suffer over the math fact memorization. This fits me well, not sure if it fits the rest of the world, but a useful book I think.

The characteristics you mentioned sound like my son, who is gifted/LD. The list you posted sounds like a list from Dyslexic Advantage for a child with Stealth Dyslexia. Many of the characteristics also show up on other Dyslexia sites.

I am going to echo the other posters - please get your son tested privately. We did private pyscho-educational testing in order to get an IEP, extended time on tests and the use of a computer for writing essays. This really helps with his writing, and an area that was a weakness is turning into a strength as ds gets older.

Some of the group testing instruments miss gifted/LD kids because they may think differently or don't work fast enough to finish. My school board did some research on a number of group tests and decided to keep administering the WISC-4 in order to identify the gifted kids, because of the high number of false negatives on the group tests.