IQ Schmy-Q or 'IQ is overrated'

It bothers me that services for adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario hinge on intelligence quotients (IQ) alone.

When we tried to get service at an agency that serves children and adults with intellectual disabilities, we were told that Ben's psych assessment from last year wasn't adequate because it didn't state IQ. Eligibility is restricted to those who score in the 2nd percentile or under in cognitive functioning.

Ben's assessment is a detailed, 10-page report documenting testing over multiple visits. It provides a very clear picture of Ben's strengths and needs. In fact, I showed it to a developmental pediatrician who said that a simple IQ score was meaningless in comparison to the depth and breadth of knowledge contained in the psych report.

But all the agency cared about was the percentile ranking. In fact, they said Ben would have to be tested AGAIN in order to get this quotient, before qualifying for service.

Ben's psych assessment last year took place at Holland Bloorview over four mornings. Instead of using the information contained in this document -- which our developmental pediatrician says is rich -- the agency wants my son to undergo more testing -- at the public's expense -- so they can pin him with an IQ.

Something is wrong when that kind of weight is placed on one test and one number -- particularly for a boy who can't speak -- and a detailed, timely report by an exceptional, well-respected psychologist is ignored.

This morning Susan Senator, author of Making Peace with Autism, posted a link on her blog to Autism and IQ, an interesting piece at theAutcast.com. Check it out!