Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment testing from overseas

Hi

I posted not long ago about ds5. My G.P has referred him for testing to a clinic that is within the local health Authority. They are very thorough but mainly deal with developmental delay. However they are all that is available presently to me.

I have a vague uneasiness that there is some kind of underlying 2e thing there and am hoping that this will tease something out. I know I won't get all the answers but at least some questions might be answered.

Anyway, having looked into this for a long time it seems that all the best testers for his particular situation are in the States and we are in England. My plan is to save up and bring him there in a year or two to be tested.

My question is this. Would I get an accurate picture or would the norms be totally out. Would he be at a disadvantage on some tests, say of social knowledge as he has never been to the states and would not know what a dollar is for example. Also I believe that measurements are different(kilos v pounds).

Would this be an issue?

I am desperate for some answers. I had parents consultation last night and was absolutely blown away by his drawing. His teacher says he is very very talented and literally one day picked up a pen and started drawing and writing skillfully. The drawings are extremely detailed and show perspective and lots of detail. However they more resemble blueprints than art. He even drew a shower with drops of water and pipes going to the shower and from it to the sewer.

With that and the maths knowledge just coming to him I am a bit freaked out. There is other stuff to. The word savant keeps buzzing round me.

Any insights gratefully recieved

Perhaps visual-spacial learner is less intimidating than Savant? Does the shoe fit?

As far as the norms being off - great point! Call Dr. Ed Amend and see what he thinks. When one calls his office, he gets on the phone 'himself.' He also may be able to work with the information that is gathered in your local testing and give a phone consultation over the phone. That will probably be less expensive than the trip over here, and at least you have a chance to 'try' before you 'buy' in the sense of committing the whole cash for the plane trip and him a particular tester.

Best Wishes,
Grinity