Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional Confused: Processing speed or dysgraphia

My son was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder in preschool and ADHD in Kindergarten (takes meds). I requested gifted testing in 5th grade. Testing results follow:

WISC IV SS
Verbal Comprehension 124
Perceptual Reasoning 137
Working Memory 120
Processing Speed 103
FSIQ 129

WJ-III SS
Broad Math 114
Broad Written Lang 113
Reading Comp 115...
(All subtests had a SS of between 110 - 118)

He struggles in school with completing homework, writing in planner, organization... Says he hates to write, writes only the bare minimum to answer questions.

Took the ACT through Duke TIP program his 7th grade year:

English 23
Math 19
Reading 29
Science 23
Composite Score of 24

His IEP includes gifted services (enrichment 1 1/2 hours a week.
My questions are-
1. Should he qualify for something with the discrepancy between IQ of 129 and processing speed of 103?
2. Should we have additional testing for dysgraphia? Who should test and what tests?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated. I am just trying to figure out this world of 2E for my son.

Your son is definitely gifted. And 2E sounds very likely. His processing speed might be due to perfectionism, difficulty in maintaining focus on 'the boring stuff' due to underachievement or ADHD, or being naturally slow.

I would try calling local psychologist who do 'Psychoeducational testing' or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuropsychological_test which I think are the same thing, but I'm not sure. Start dialing and ask if they diagnose dysgraphia.

Those ACT scores are really impressive for a 7th grader (how old was he?) see http://www.davidsongifted.org/young...holars___Qualification_Criteria_384.aspx

You can ask over the phone if they prospective tester has tested many kids with ACT scores as 7th graders that are stronger than your childs, as a way of seeing if they 'get' gifted.

He just misses the DYS qualifying score. You may want to try to submit a portfolio to DYS and see if he'll qualify. Or have him take the ACT again next year.

I think a private tester is a good idea, because the achievement scores are a lot lower than the ACT and the IQ.

Best Wishes,
Grinity