Well hell, I'm LFA

Post Reply New Topic

I got my results back from an "official" IQ test I recently took (psycho), I scored in the mild mentally ret*d range, and the overall score was 59. I couldn't answer most of the questions as it was one big massive blur of nothingness (i.e., I couldn't read the questions). I doubt I would have done any better if it was given verbally.

I'm assuming that such a low score was due to being overwhelmed with the external environment (sensory bombardment from the waiting room, the car ride, etcetera), as I've had a "high IQ" in the last official one I took as a child (I wasn't as overwhelmed then, but I can't really remember such), but then, perhaps I peaked at that age and I was above many of my peers at the time, and they developed whereas I stopped.

*Shrug*

Good grief!

If you are mildly intellectually ret*d Danielismyname, then the bulk of humanity can only be comparatively described as "wildly intellectually ret*d".

From what you said in your OP, sounds like the score was inaccurate.

I think it just goes to show that IQ tests aren't a good predictor of overall intelligence if there's factors involved that the test doesn't take into account. I know I'd score much, much higher if I was given it at home and I was stress free. They know I have Autism/Autistic Disorder, and I was the one who requested the test (I was kinda getting annoyed that everyone automatically assumes I'm smart, as I did poorly in school). I know for one thing, if I ever go back to Attwood's, I'm taking it with me and showing them.

It now makes sense to me why I did so poorly in high school (mainstream), as the conditions there were overwhelming for me.

As for my writing, my expressive speech isn't too bad, it's my receptive when I'm overwhelmed that goes down the drain (well, my expressive does too, considering I lose my ability to talk).

A question, has anyone with Asperger's had a similar experience, i.e., performing really badly due to the external environment affecting them so much (this is a "normal" environment, nothing out of the ordinary)?

Oh, sure. I've performed poorly, and surely due to my condition (of being HFA), & similiar to what you experience when sensory overwhelmed, stressed, in a new environment, etc. In reality I think this could be true of anyone, but most especially Autists.

No doubt your (painfully ridiculous!) test score relflects...NOT you! I wasn't mainstreamed in high school either but I did very well - college prepatory, gifted program - in a small alternative setting. No way could I have attended a 'normal' high school. I'm at University now and still struggle but the academics is where I can do well. Being Autistic is hard; for me I have a maturational lag in that I don't relate to my peers too much, but I do like some of them a lot. I prefer my professors and stay close. If I'm nervous, overwhelmed, my senses hurt, non-verbal, my feelings are hurt (I cry a lot), etc. I just don't perform as well.

I might imagine (I cannot know for sure) that this may be quite similar for you. In no way to I belive that you somehow 'peak-out' as a child. Humans do grow, evolve, and learn. Danielsmyname - you're wicked smart. And I'm not being flattering. You have amazing potential.

Go back to Attwood - they can do so much better! Oh, and please douse your test result in a flammable liquid. Ignite. You're not that test.

(Ummm, as an aside...just wondered if your diagnostician may have forgotten to add a zero onto the last digit of your test!)

I have to go back and discuss it if I wish to follow it up (which I'm not going to, as it was for my own insight into certain things from my past, i.e., good at one time in my life, bad at another, good at one time, bad at another). The only thing that it'd help with is special education, but I'm 27, so it's a bit late for that. No, it wasn't like the BBC one; it asked the same questions as many of the "serious" online ones, but it was longer and timed.

To be fair to the test; many of the question I could comprehend, I didn't know the answer to. The only ones I knew were ones that relied on just shapes with minimal text involved, which wasn't too many.

I was reading that cognitive depression can occur in about 50% of those with Autistic Disorder at the onset of puberty (this is when I started failing school), so I guess I could be in that boat. Whether it's "true" cognitive depression or worsening of autistic symptoms that make it appear someone loses cognitive ability, is probably up to research.

LabPet,

It doesn't bother me. It's only one facet of existence, and it doesn't define me in any way other than how well I can do at school (which is something I don't like anyway, so that's cool).

Meh. We all know IQ tests don't say much about the actual abilities of an autistic person.

IQ tests are given in a verbal format. Autistic people often have trouble with verbal skills. Seeing the problem here yet?

So what was your sub-score distribution? Any big gaps? (If they didn't give that to you, then the test is even more useless. Demand your sub-scores. At least you might have some idea of where your strengths and weaknesses are.)

Your IQ might get you vocational services. Try to get training for a specialized job, instead of just a job coach. It's easier to get a job you're good at and can tolerate, if you can specialize. (Apologies if you're already employed. In which case, don't quit, the economy sucks.)

You might be ret*d in some areas but you sure as hell are gifted in others.

Callista,

Yep. All of the verbal ones were way down, the same for most of the performance ones, but there was a performance one in the high range (one of the few types of questions that relied on little explanation--shapes in order).

I work as a farmhand by myself (a daily routine and not having to interact with people is close to heaven for me); my ability to socialise and tolerate being around people is quite...severe. I'm good with mechanical and motoric stuff (that's machinery and physical activity).

If you're working in an area that uses skills you're good at, then you're in pretty much the ideal position for somebody with skills all over the place. I should be so lucky... I've tried to work jobs that demanded exactly what I was bad at, and got repeatedly fired. Hopefully that'll change in the future.

You seems like a bright individual who express himself pretty well. You should try to get tested with your state Bureau Vocational Rehabilitation. You can get testing for free. There are many vocational programs that can help you get training for a job. For example, I was a mail clerk at one time. In addition, you might try to get a hold of the ARC chapter in your city. They are good to point you in the right direction.

I was diagnosed with Asperger by a neurologist psychologist.

That is really surprising, you obviously had some test anxiety and it messed your score.
I don't think anyone here thinks your LFA, or mildly ret*d, and your posts prove it.

That doesnt sound like you have a low IQ. It sounds like you had difficulty doing the test because you were not comfortable with the sensory environment.