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Our last meeting with our DS's Principal gave us the extra push we needed to get him tested. While we were frustrated with the school at the time, it's actually opened us up to a world that we didn't know existed previously. We are very grateful for this forum and look forward to learning more about how best to help our DS.
He took the WISC IV a couple months back and the doctor said overall he did quite well. We talked about his processing speed being average and in her opinion, she felt he was exceptionally careful, cautious and meticulous in the writing portion of the test. He got everything correct but it took him longer to complete. She also mentioned that she was not concerned about a LD and that he should be given ample time to formulate his work and solutions.
We have found it takes him a long time to complete anything:) All things are done at a "methodical" pace with a hint of perfectionism sprinkled in everything that he does. He will erase and re-erase his work until it's to his liking.
A couple of questions:
-How are these scores in general? -We are putting together our application for DYS. Has it been a good resource? -Any suggestions around helping our boy with perfectionistic qualities? -Are there any others that have experience with their loved one working at a slower pace?
Very good! Your DS has been given a blessing and a responsibility.
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-Any suggestions around helping our boy with perfectionistic qualities?
There have been a number of threads about perfectionism, growth/fixed mindset, etc. on the forum. Search for those topics. The author Carol Dweck has also been recommended by a number of posters.
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-Are there any others that have experience with their loved one working at a slower pace?
Having a relatively lower WMI, PSI, or both is not unusual among high cognitive individuals. The score alone is not enough for concern, if it's at least average (which this is). Given the clinical observations of your evaluator, it sounds like not something to worry about at the moment. Keep an eye on it, though, mainly from the perspective of perfectionism. Other concerns would depend on the age of the child, and observations of functional impairments (in daily life).
The GAI is clearly your best measure in this situation. Did you have extended scoring? The PRI looks like it would have been warranted.
...pronounced like the long vowel and first letter of the alphabet...
Any suggestions around helping our boy with perfectionistic qualities?
You may have read this elsewhere on the forums...
Perfectionistic tendencies may be a sign of developing a fixed mindset rather than a growth mindset. One aspect or application is that gifted kids may stop taking appropriate risks in order to always be "right" or always be "smart" or never be "wrong", and this may work against them. The concept is nicely summarized in these youtube videos: Ashley Merryman & Po Bronson: The Myth of Praise (link- ) Teaching a Growth Mindset (link- )
Parents may wish to read the book Mindset by Carol Dweck for tips on promoting a growth mindset.
A book which seems to understand perfectionism very well and which many find supportive is What To Do When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough. Another book you might like is Perfectionism: What's Bad About Being Too Good. While insightful, these are written gently for kids, in a style that is fun and engaging. With any of these books it may be wise for a parent to pre-read and decide if it seems to be a helpful tool to use in guiding their child.
Procrastination can be closely related to perfectionism.
A child considering "worst case scenario" and finding various work-arounds to keep moving forward may in some cases help reduce anxiety and add an element of self-confidence, even a sense of looking forward to taking on the challenge.
I believe that those scores can get your DS into just about any gifted program, including DYS, that will accept them. Not only is the GAI high enough for DYS, but so is the PRI. So great scores!
Have you done achievement testing or do you plan to? I would think that an individual achievement test might be a better bet than a Talent Search (which is tightly timed, unless you can get accomodations). Best wishes!
aeh-Thank you for your insightful comments. You are very correct, a blessing and a responsibility... Your comments around lower WMI and PSI not being unusual are comforting and we will definitley keep an eye on it.
We did have extended scoring in one area: Matrix Reasoning(23).
indigo- Very interesting, this will be great info to digest.
Loy58- Wow! Thank you. We were recommended to look into DYS and are really just starting to learn about additional resources. It sounds like you are assigned a consultant in DYS which would be immensely helpful in our journey.
"Did you have extended scoring? The PRI looks like it would have been warranted." [/quote]
Good morning aeh- I was curious if you might know what a higher PRI may translate into scholastically? It seems to be considerably higher than the other areas.
