I don't know a lot about it, but I was wondering if a GAI score would shed some more light - or am I barking up the wrong tree completely there?
First we have to say that scores are just one snapshot of a kid's performance on a particular day under a specific set of circumstances - and quirky kids can give quirky performances that don't reflect their overall life very well. Does this seem to be the case or do these numbers sound like the kid you know? Is your family tree chock full of gifties? It's ok to be suspisious of numbers. But sometimes you just have to put the doubts aside and trust them - you have to start somewhere!
Let's assume for a moment that the numbers are accurate. In that case, here are my thoughts:
I've seen the GAI be really helpful when working memory and processing speed are much lower than Verbal and Perceptual - but since his perceptual index is right in line with his WM and PSI, I see this as a situation where GAI won't help that much. Of course the number will be higher, but even with that strength in vocabulary, can your son really
use that strengh?
I'd just call it a vocabulary strength, and use it for all it's worth. ((Does 'I'll teach you 5 new words if you brush your teeth right NOW!' work in your house?))
What kind of advice would be helpful? It sounds like the school isn't very forthcomming with supports you feel might help. Is AS 'on the list' of recognized disabilities in UK schools? How is he doing in his academics? Do they seem too hard? too easy? Does he just need more time? Is he having problems with anxiety?
***
The general cultural expectation is that strong vocabulary is a sign of intelligence. How does your son's general problem solving ability seem to you? Is it more in line with his strength of vocabulary, or more like the average Peceptual Reasoning score? Does this confuse you or other significant adults?
Hope that helps,
Grinity
