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Thread ID: 95325	2008-12-02 09:08:00	What do you think about I.Q tests.	never-u-mind (6500)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
725104	2008-12-07 19:56:00	Correlation is not causation. Agreed but this isn't Research Lite - the detail is extraordinary and because it has been running for 35 years, it is able to give intergenerational data. Facts not theories. Drawing valid conclusions is possible from the size of the cohort and the consistent information. And such a study is only as good as the intervention strategies that come out of it. That is another horse entirely. Knowledge is power. There are mathematical theories and little-known scientific research findings, which lie buried for 50 years until a modern eureka moment when they dovetail with current data. So far as the Dunedin study goes, I've applied its findings to observations of my own children and been relieved that they appear to be headed in the right direction. Fingers crossed. :D	Winston001 (3612)
725105	2008-12-08 11:11:00	Well, it's a little like the correlation between head injuries and recidivist criminality - the correlation is extraordinarily high. But the information is only as good as the intervention - and it's nearly impossible to devise one. Knowledge is not power - Francis Bacon was wrong. Wisdom is power.	Deane F (8204)
725106	2008-12-10 20:38:00	Have you considered dyslexia or mild Asbergers? It's not uncommon and not always obvious. Dyslexia tends to rule against IQ tests which give a low false result but Asbergers people are often very bright. I'd just like to say I admire that you care about your son and are prepared to ask questions. Ideally the school should be able to provide advice and you could consider a bit of private tutoring. Often older students will do tutoring for pocket money and it can be enough to break through a conceptual bottleneck. He was diagnosed with Aspergers 7 years ago but yeah I found that to be like his I.Q test .... Eventuated into nothing. I'm still trying to find someone in Hamilton who will take Aspergers/Anxiety/OCD seriously. Going on 7 years, 2 cities, countless tests and specialists. It's all getting to be a bit of a joke now .... as I said, not unlike the I.Q test that was suppose to help him out.	never-u-mind (6500)
725107	2008-12-10 21:27:00	More drivel in the Herald today: Low IQ could mean psychiatric problems later in life - NZ study 4:00AM Thursday Dec 04, 2008 A new study has revealed a connection between low childhood IQ and psychiatric disorders later in life in New Zealanders. So all thick people are likely to go bonkers. Cue Tui billboard.......... A lot of the smartest people I know have psychiatric disorders. My father, sister, mother, and myself have all been diagnosed with depression, my sister has a cocktail of other stuff too. One of the smartest guys at my school had what I suspect is a low level of schizophrenia and definitely had a fair amount of depression to top it off. Another intelligent friend has bipolar, who keeps good company with Stephen Fry among others. Psychiatric disorders are fairly common amongst all intellect levels, and I suspect that they're especially prevalent in more intelligent individuals. Although I'm more than a little self interested in saying that.	Thebananamonkey (7741)
725108	2008-12-10 21:53:00	A lot of the smartest people I know have psychiatric disorders. My father, sister, mother, and myself have all been diagnosed with depression, my sister has a cocktail of other stuff too. One of the smartest guys at my school had what I suspect is a low level of schizophrenia and definitely had a fair amount of depression to top it off. Another intelligent friend has bipolar, who keeps good company with Stephen Fry among others. Psychiatric disorders are fairly common amongst all intellect levels, and I suspect that they're especially prevalent in more intelligent individuals. Although I'm more than a little self interested in saying that. Well said. In fact there is a view that Albert Einstein had mild Asperger's Syndrome. Its quite common in geniuses. A living example is Professor Temple Brennan who is autistic - and famous.	Winston001 (3612)
725109	2008-12-10 22:00:00	He was diagnosed with Aspergers 7 years ago but yeah I found that to be like his I.Q test .... Eventuated into nothing. I'm still trying to find someone in Hamilton who will take Aspergers/Anxiety/OCD seriously. Going on 7 years, 2 cities, countless tests and specialists. It's all getting to be a bit of a joke now .... as I said, not unlike the I.Q test that was suppose to help him out. I feel for you. Aspergers, autism etc has only become generally understood in the medical community over the last 10 years and they don't really understand how or why some peoples brains work differently. I know a family who echoes what you say exactly and it was only very recently that they found a doctor who understood their son. You aren't alone. I have seen references to online forums which parents find really helpful. You may also be aware of Autism New Zealand http://www.autismnz.org.nz/ which exists to help parents. Best wishes, love your son, and don't give up.	Winston001 (3612)
725110	2008-12-11 19:47:00	I am of the opinion that IQ tests may do more harm than good. If we test a person whom scores in the Genius class then he/she may feel really unhappy doing a job as a garbologist. Then on the other hand it may be that is what they want to do. Then we test a person who comes up in the Moron class but then has flashes of a very good idea and something that the Genius class never even thought about.	Sweep (90)
725111	2008-12-11 21:55:00	I am of the opinion that IQ tests may do more harm than good. If we test a person whom scores in the Genius class then he/she may feel really unhappy doing a job as a garbologist. Then on the other hand it may be that is what they want to do. Then we test a person who comes up in the Moron class but then has flashes of a very good idea and something that the Genius class never even thought about. The result of an IQ test is only an estimate of intelligence. Every person will find their own way and if being a genius garbologist makes them happy, thats fine. The danger of IQ tests is that at a young age, children can be written off as low ability and not given the education they deserve. This happened in the past to intelligent but dyslexic children.	Winston001 (3612)
725112	2009-01-04 18:58:00	Hello 'never-u-mind' . If your son is highly intelligent, but for some reason unable to harness his talents, this is very worrying . It is likely very depressing/frustrating for your son . If you can afford to, it might be an idea to get him assessed again by an educational psychologist who can pinpoint any learning disabilities and strengths/relative weaknesses etc . Then perhaps they could point the way towards fresh strategies to help your son get on the right track . The importance of identifying highly intelligent children and 'twice exceptional' children (highly intelligent children with learning disabilities) should not be underestimated . During 2008 I fought hard for my young daughter to receive appropriate schooling - and the process is ongoing . She had a hellish year at school last year, being forced to do the most basic work over and over . When you are capable of working at least 3 years ahead (I only found this out when I took samples of my daughter's work to the school and was told how far ahead she was working), can you imagine how that must feel to a child? This is without 'pushing' or 'hot boxing' either . In fact, somewhat the opposite . My daughter learns the vast majority of things herself, and I am trying to keep at her heels and supply the 'intellectual fodder' for her to work on independently, as she's still very young . Though she figured out how to use Google some time ago, I prefer her not to go on it! More and more children are being born with very high intelligence and the standard classroom situation can be mind-numbing for them . Luckily, my daughter has no learning difficulties, and no behavioural problems - it is even more difficult for children who have either or both of those extra issues . I think you really need to step in and help your son . Do as much research as you can, and then make sure things change for him . I know you think 'nothing ever happens' but unfortunately this is the reality . We as parents must make thing happen for our children . If you do the research you might feel more confident and able to stand up for your child . I know from personal experience as one of those 'highly intelligent losers' people love to identify in discussions such as this, that it is an extremely frustrating life situation . Mine was due to mental illness . I'm sure there are more than a few people on this forum who can relate . I really hope you can find the help, and insist on the help, for your son . All the best!	ZimmerOne (14373)
725113	2009-01-04 19:11:00	Hi, to answer your initial question - my husband and I used the test results as leverage with the school, in order to 'prove' to them that our daughter has this innate ability, and that what we were saying she does independently at home was actually true, not something we 'made up' or 'forced' upon our daughter . However, I can understand that with a 'twice exceptional' child this still might not be of much help, if some kind of issue is continuing to mask the childs true ability . Maybe google 'twice exceptional gifted children' and see what you can find . I'm sure there are many other parents out there with good advice to share . Don't give up! Your son is depending on you .	ZimmerOne (14373)
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