Raven's Matrices

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Anyone familiar with the Raven's Matrices nonverbal IQ test?

There is a new study out showing autistics thought to have low IQ scored above average or higher when given this particular test.

Is it recommended for Aspergers/HFA too? Is there a difference in scores between WISC, SB-5 and Raven's?

I'm debating wether or not to request it for my son this fall for his triennial--it's never been suggested by psychologist.

equinn

Yes. I took the Raven test after a standardized IQ test, which is a ratio score. However, I cannot understand how a complex dynamic such as human intelligence can be quantified and distilled into a single ratio score. Therefore, I believe the Raven test, in conjunction with a standardized test, would be beneficial, particularly since your son is HFA.

Whilst I am diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome due to my enhanced cognitive abilities, my standardized IQ score is 160+ (I think the Raven gave me better), I am in every respect 100% autistic, which may qualitatively different than many (most?) Aspies. I spoke with my doctor about this matter: I have a high genetic propensity to autism. In my family more than an order of magnitude higher. Plus, I have no Sylvian Fissure. Thus, I may be 'organically' autistic. The demarcation between HFA autism and AS is blurry and may not truly exist - interpretative. I have qualities (enhanced sensory modality, eidetic memory) which are congruent with low-functiong autism. I have written, previously, if autism is yellow and AS is blue then I am green. More specifically, I am white light in the spectrum. I am nearly mute (I can speak); I prefer to write/draw/formulate instead of speak and gesture/point in tandem to communicate. I can sometimes 'flash count,' which just means I know how many without counting.
My enhanced senses overlap (synaesthesia) which can be overwhelming! But I am observant beyond normal parameters.

If you're curious about my functioning, given what I have revealed, I am a strong and diverse scientist/chemist. My research is in photochemistry. I am now in the PhD program (Chem/Biochem). I am analytical, math/science oriented and very artistic too (I draw, paint). For me, art is continuous with science and interchangable. I am very shy.

equinn, for you son, I think a Raven test might be good idea considering his special needs, as suggested by your psychologist. But, regardless of his score, do not let another impose imaginary boundaries for him! I am highly motivated, which counts too. Does your son have a favorite subject? Does he like to draw (ie: Raven test applicability)? I'm sure he'll do well in school. May I ask his age?

Smelena, a NT member of this forum who is great mother, would be best for your question(s). She certainly knows way more than I do about this sort of thing. Just remember the spectrum is continuous, not discrete, from a mathematical perspective. This mean, for you son, he is not bound by any score on a test or arbitrary diagnostic assessment.

Let us know how you choose to proceed! Good luck. I remember I actually thought the Raven test was kind of fun - pictures and puzzles. Say hi to your son from another HFA, ok?

Hi, Equin. I posted a link to an article from Science Daily on this forum. I don't know if you read it but I think it explains alot. I will be having my sons take it because it makes sense with their challenges that it would be better.
The article on the "Validity of Intelligence Tests for...." thread.

Good luck!

My son is almost eight. He has advanced abiilties in art so I try to encourage it. He came across one of his sketches and didn't think he did it. He had forgotten his own talent. He drew something this morning and reminded himself and seemed pleased. This is how he is.

He is interested in graphics, technology, 3D--made a 4D construction on blackboard--but he's sporadic and jumps around with his interests. His interests remain the same over time, but wax and wane.

He's always presented as gifted, high energy, articulate with large vocabulary and a challenge in structured environments. One IQ test (Weschler)rated him gifted. Another SB-5, given a couple years later, he was about 20 pts. lower. Seemed questionable to me. Evaluator was a quick talker--my son had to keep saying "I'm not done" when he was explaining something to her. Don't know if this made a difference. I would have thought IQ scores might be slightly higher not lower. I don't believe he's a genius. I just want the most accurate picture of his inherent abilities. Hence, my curiousity in the Ravens test which was never mentioned as an option.

Thanks for the post--haven't figured out yet how to respond, individually, to posters.

Blessedmom,

I did read the article. Thank you. I don't know that the psychologist will agree to it as my son doesn't present with any verbal delays. Yet, he does have receptive language problems according to report. I don't know that this is enough to warrent using the Raven. Maybe based on the latest research I could push it. I think it's a fairly simple test to administer unlike the SB-5.

I am not familiar with the Raven test but I'll have to ask our psychologist about it.

My 7 year old took a standardised IQ test. He scored brilliantly in visual-spatial (95th percentile) but when it came to other parts of the test he'd had enough and refused to participate. So we didn't get an overall score.

My 9 year old took a standardised IQ test and scored 108 but I don't believe that score at all. He has a strong receptive language deficit and he told me afterwards he found a lot of the questions confusing. I'm sure he would have scored much higher if the questions had been in writing for him.

My 9 year old is a brilliant writer - he writes wonderful poetry and stories. He learns quickly and finds school incredibly boring. There is no way he is 108.

LabPet, thankyou for your kind words about me. My confidence has been a bit low, so when I read that an extremely intelligent person like you thinks I'm a great mother .... that was a fantastic boost to my confidence. Thankyou!

Helen

Helen -- (at the risk of sounding redundent) your guy sounds a bit like mine. Mine is a year younger and is a gifted writer and artist, articulate (big vocabulary), speaking at 18 months full sentences etc. Yet, I don't feel his last IQ score reflects his true ability (lower than his first one where he scored, too, very high on verbal). Psychologist was satisfied because she felt even with language deficits, he scored well above average. Hmmm.

This is why Raven caught my eye. Like the name, too. I think the Raven test should always be used in addition to standard tests for kids on the spectrum. I never knew about it. Why don't psychologists use it or at least offer it? My son has receptive language issues and this can definitely interfere with his ability to intepret the way the question is presented (common sense). Imagine if it showed a 20 point difference? That's a major difference and needs to be recognized. Thanks, Helen. Your respones are always appreciated. I look forward to them!

equinn