Wyldkat
DS6 has now been tested using 4 different tests, first because we couldn't get over what we were seeing and I needed some validation that it was the "more" I thought he was. Then 2x in 2 different tests to get into schools and just recently as partof his IEP. I completely get what you re saying and the questioning. We got DS WISC back and he had missed Davidson by one point I was so upset, and i wondered why, nothing had changed for him, or about him, and I started wondering if it was more about me, and my validation. Turns out the extended norms came into play, and now he has qualifying scores. He's the exact same kid! But I felt a sigh of relief that now I could apply for him to Davidson.
But if you put Davidson aside, what did we get from the 4 tests, lesson 1) cancel if he shows any sign of illness, we didn't and he bombed it. Although interesting the pattern of strength and weakness was the same across the 3 iqs. The WISC gave us out best most thorough tester report. The first told us little beyond the score and in retrospect I wish I had known that it was a minimal job. The second more professional but limited as he was ill but told us some interesting things - like how he couldn't be bothered on some easy ones and blew her away on really hard ones, pretty typical for him. But this last one, was really insightful and thorough and really helps us to understand how he thinks, what is difficult for him, and also how to work with his issues.
I'm the kind who wants evidence and also the validation, yes you see what you see but at the same time the score wasn't going to undo the fact that my 6 year old has the same level of understanding of atoms, electrons, electron shells, the periodic table, that I had in 10th grade AP chem. And ont get me started about space.
If its not a cost thing, then do it, you can always test later if it's not Davidson level, or just go portfolio. And if the scores are lower then it's either having a bad day or that he is a nice combo of iq and high achiever. Remember regular gifted is 130, Davidison 145, huge gap between the two of people not profound but not served by a normal classroom either.
I think these feelings are all part of the uncertainty of parenting our kids - as with all things, the more rare, the more unique the needs and feeling undone or at sea is kind of par for the course.
DeHe
