Intelligence Testing:
What's The Point?

Intelligence testing is looked upon by some as a last resort for only the most severe of learning difficulties. What I hope to convey to you is that it can be a first line of defense when facing learning challenges - especially when parents (and possibly teachers) have no idea of how to best address the learning issues.

First, let's clear up a few misconceptions.

IQ Tests, such as the Wechsler Intelligence Test, is given by a licensed psychologist, and therefore is called "psychological testing". If a school system orders a battery of tests for a child who is failing in the classroom, it is usually called a "Psycho-Educational Evaluation". This is used to determine if a child is eligible for special education services (at least in the U.S.) in that school district.

Sometimes parents get nervous about allowing their children to take a "psychological" test. But rest assured, this tool gives extremely important information concerning how a child (or adult in the case of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale or WAIS-IV) is processing information.

I like to explain it to parents like this:

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In finding out the root, or roots, of the learning challenges, it then becomes more clear the type of intervention that is needed. And having a baseline of testing allows comparison of later scores to see if the intervention chosen is having the desired effect!

This is vitally important information for parents and teachers to know. Without it, we are merely "guessing" at how to help these children.

What IQ Test Scores Mean

While you do need professional interpretation of the IQ test results, there are some things you can look for that may enlighten you regarding any potential learning issues.

First, is there a wide gap between the FSIQ (Full Scale Intelligence Quotient) score and either the Verbal Comprehension Index or the Perceptual Reasoning Index?

If so, that could signal learning difficulties.

Another big area to look for is the comparison of scores between the IQ indexes and the working memory index. Is there a large gap? How about the differences in scores between the VCI, PRI, and processing speed index?

Again, these are clues that warrant serious consideration and test interpretation by a professional.

For more information about IQ testing:

Go from Intelligence Testing to IQ Test

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