Thursday, 3 November 2011

Psychologist

Rohan and I went to the see the psychologist (let's call him Dr M) yesterday. It was interesting. He asked questions, which was standard. Did a part of the IQ test and the results were surprising to me.

Rohan had a Cognitive Assessment done just before his 5th birthday last year. The test results show he has low average IQ (Performance) and Borderline (Full Scale IQ & Verbal). Borderline meaning he is borderline for mild intellectual disability. When I got those results, I was upset. I was also upset because the psychologist we saw back then said it was highly unlikely Rohan's IQ would increase if his language improves. Impossible was the word she used. 

Like I said, I was upset but I had to come to terms with it. I tried my best to make sure he was up to date with his literacy and numeracy. He does take time to learn new concepts but I was ok with repetition.

So anyway, when Dr M finished the IQ test yesterday, he said "Ok this is unusual". I was thinking "oh no, it's probably worst than i thought". He said Rohan actually came out average for majority of the test sections. Average?  I thought. How is that possible? And he goes on to tell me Rohan scored above average in Visual Perception (I think the one with the blocks that have 2 different colours on them) and Verbal Memory. And he said "I was blown away by that."

I was shocked surprised STUNNED. This time I asked "how is that possible when he scored low average and borderline last year?" He asked if Rohan is 6 years 3 months today, I said yes. He wanted to make sure he was doing the right test and the right score. He would like to do more tests just to confirm.

I think I looked like I was in disbelief or maybe worried. He said "that's a good thing, you know." I told him I know but I am still shocked and relieved at the same time. He said it doesn't mean he is out of the clear. His language difficulty is still a BIG issue and that will need constant attention.

I am surprised and a little unsure as well. I mean, could he have made a mistake? Possible. I guess I'll have to wait and see at the next appointment. In the meantime, I have a list of questions I want to ask him.

Tuesday, 1 November 2011

The Great Outdoors

We are so lucky to be living in Australia. So many things to do in the Great Outdoors. 



The boys love being outside. They honestly have so much energy, I wonder where they get it from sometimes.

We were out and about over the weekend while the Queen was visiting. 

Honestly, my boys prefer running around outside looking for bugs, creepy crawlies or fish (if we're by the river) rather than stay at home playing XBox any day. 

To end this post, here is a picture of a boy "smile".

* A boy smile is the facial expression boys (well maybe just my boys) give when I point a camera at them and say SMILE!

Report

I received our PD's report of Rohan's Conners Assessment results stating the ADHD-Inattentiveness diagnosis. I filled out a questionnaire and Rohan's teacher filled one out as well. Both results show he doesn't have a problem with hyperactivity or aggression. He does have an issue with learning concepts, following directions, focus/attention and social skills. Teacher doesn't have a concern about his literacy or numeracy though which is a plus point.

We'll be going to see the Educational Psychologist tomorrow. He's going to assess how Rohan learns and give me tools on the best way to teach him. I am looking forward to that. Also he'll be able to point out if anything else if a concern.