Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment SB-5 Results and 2E

DD6 was recently tested on the SB-5. She had been tested using the Wechsler tests twice before. The original tester believed DD has a visual processing issue. The new tester suspects a bigger processing issue. Here are the most recent scores:
Fluid Reasoning NonVerbal: 18
Fluid Reasoning Verbal: 17
Knowledge NonVerbal: 11
Knowledge Verbal: 14
Quantitative Reasoning NonVerbal: 16
Quant. Reasoning Verbal: 15
Visual Reasoning NonVerbal: 16
Visual Reasoning Verbal: 15
Working Memory NonVerbal: 16
Working Memory Verbal: 16

NonVerbal IQ = 135
Verbal IQ = 134
FSIQ = 136

Factor Index Scores:
-Fluid Reasoning: 144
-Knowledge: 114
-Quantitative Reasoning: 130
-Visual Reasoning: 132
-Working Memory: 135

The prior two test scores were strange. They were both on Wechsler tests, but the first one showed her better Verbally, while the second one showed her better in the area of reasoning. This latest tester suggested that the discrepancy is further indication of a processing issue. He also said that since people usually score worse on the SB-5, but DD had the exact same FSIQ on the latest WISC compared to the SB-5, he thinks the processing issue is at play. Her GAI on the latest WISC was 144. We did apply to Davidson Young Scholars with the latest WISC score, so hopefully she will get in and they can help us.

What do you make of these scores? The latest tester thinks her processing issues could be retrieval challenges (meaning she has the info., but has trouble organizing it and spitting it out).

Should we be doing something to pinpoint this more? Ideas on how to help her?

(sorry so long)

I wonder why there is a suspicion of a processing issue. With one exception, all of your daughter's subtest and composite scores were in the Superior range. One subtest fell slightly above average, as did one of the index scores (Knowledge). There is greater technical/statistical integrity of composite scores versus individual subtest scores. While this is a relative weakness when comparing your daughter's scores to each other, for me there is absolutely no indication of a "processing issue" because she still performed better than 82% of her same-aged peers on the Knowlege Factor Index items. Again, why would that be considered an issue?

A. Jordan
School Psychologist

They saw indications during the testing. For example, she transposes numbers and letters. When she sees a 13, she may think it's 31 today but know it's 13 tomorrow. They said these issues hurt her on things like block design. And during the section where you describe things (I think it's vocabulary), she had a lot of knowledge, but had trouble organizing it, etc.

According to them, she should have scored higher.

Anyone have any insight for me?

Has the tester suggested further testing or evaluation procedures to identify the exact the nature of the problem? Knowing what you are dealing with is important for figuring out what to do about it. A neuropsych workup might be the way to go if the tester you used doesn't suggest other specific next steps.

Transposing numbers, troubles with block design and puzzles can be a sign of a visual processing issue. A behavioral optometrist can evaluate and diagnose your child and design a vision therapy program for them, if needed.

Visual processing issues can cause discrepancies with performance and ability. It can cause perceptual problems, such as visual discrimination and memory. See
http://www.childrensvision.com/reading.htm

My ds6 has had vision therapy for 2 years and it's made a world of difference. He was born with some physical issues and visual deficits, which we noticed when he knew his squares and shapes but couldn't draw them. He had the Wechsler test this summer, but his test scores were too scattered and inconsistent, possibly due to visual processing issues. We're on the waitlist for further testing in the spring.

We were going to apply to DYS, but we're going to wait until the next tests. My son's behavioral optometrist told us about 1 1/2 yr ago that he was operating a couple of grade levels from examining him, though this didn't sink in until my son started visually multiplying last year and whizzing through the pre-k/k/1st grade curriculum in 2 1/2 months.