Verbal Or Non Verbal IQ Tests For Special Education - Which is Best For Your Child?

Is your child with autism or a learning disability going topredictors of academic achievement but can also be
be given an IQ test by special education personnel?used to determine the strengths and weaknesses of
Are you concerned that the IQ score may not bethe child. But children with severe language based
accurate due to your child's disability? Would you likedisabilities may have very low scores on the
to know about verbal and non verbal IQ tests to seeWeschlers.
which one would give an accurate IQ score? ThisNon-Verbal IQ tests are designed to give a
article will discuss verbal IQ tests that are usually givencomprehensive, standardized assessment of general
by school psychologist vs. non verbal IQ tests thatintelligence with entirely nonverbal administration and
may more accurately reflect your child's academicresponse formats. Two tests that may be used are
ability.entitled: the Comprehensive Test of Nonverbal
IQ tests are used by psychologists school or private,Intelligence (CTONI) or the Universal Nonverbal
to determine what a child's cognitive functioning andIntelligence Test (UNIT). The CTONI states that it is a
intelligence are. The IQ tests used by most schoollanguage free intelligence test that requires no reading,
psychologist are based on the child's ability towriting, speaking or listening on the child's part. It is
understand and use language. If a child with a disabilitydesigned for children and adults, and can be given to
has a serious language based disability such asindividual children or in small groups in about 15 minutes.
dyslexia, the language based IQ test may notThe UNIT can be used on children from age 5-age 17
accurately reflect the child's intelligence.is nonverbal and response is done by 8 hand or body
Why is this important? Because many specialgestures. There are three testing options available:
education personnel have such low expectations forAbbreviated, Standard, and Extended batteries. Can
children with disabilities, that a low IQ score gives thembe used for deaf and hearing impaired students.
another reason, to not provide needed appropriateBy understanding the difference between verbal and
special education academic services. The IQ scorenon verbal IQ tests you will be able to ask for the IQ
must be accurate, in order to determine what a child istest that will appropriately measure your child's
academically capable of.academic ability. You should have high expectations
The Weschler Intelligence Scale is an IQ test that isfor your child and push the school to also; this will help
often used by school psychologists to determineyour child live a happy fulfilled life.
cognitive ability. This test not only provides excellent