Autism and Standards of Learning type tests

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I just got in the mail the results of my son's COGAT exams - the state's exams for Math.

I didn't have high expectations, but still. It smarts. He just doesn't process language well enough to do these tests. At some point I have to ask myself... what does his future REALLY look like? Will he EVER do well? He got 23rd percentile on nonverbal and 42nd on quantitative.

He's in the 3rd grade and his language processing is getting better and better and better, but he's lagging behind, for sure. And I don't know how to interpret these scores. Like, don't some kids on the spectrum actually do really well on these state exams?

How do I interpret these scores? What do they mean? When do I know what is language processing versus actually not knowing something? and it being actual knowledge deficits (which I think he has since he's so narrowly focuses)?

Anyone have wisdom to share with me?

I don't know if your state has samples or last year's test online, but I would take a peak. If your state tests are like ours, there are a ton of word problems on there. That could account for the math results, right there. Forgetting about the state test, when he would bring his papers home how did he do on just the pure math problems?

I don't think the state tests are like the standardized tests where you get breakdowns, so I would base your judgement on observations of his homework and by looking at his tests to see what he can do. Compare that with your state standards, (which are probably online) and see if that makes you feel better.

If not, you still know what to ask the district for help in.

Thank you both. His #1 issue is language processing. on math homework that is straight math - he does fine. But they DON'T do straight math like ever... It's word problems everywhere and he simply guesses as to what operation to do. He even now gets a bit anxious about it as he just can't decipher it.

I sometimes wonder if he even has autism or just straight on language processing disorder that manifests itself to appear like having some autistic type behaviors to cope or to self- entertain.

it's getting FAR, FAR better, but he's having to learn in a different way and that way isn't as efficient.

If it is straight autism, they can learn coping skills, and strategies for things like word problems, just like kids can overcome learning disorders.

I would find fun puzzle type books, if you can with very simple word problems and help him break them down. He is probably at a point now where he gets freaked out when he sees a paragraph of text, and it is demoralizing. If he can do very simple word problems, I would have him regain his confidence on those. If you have to, make your own with special interests included, that might help him focus.

Another strategy is to use manipulatives and you can even use those number magnets. Your kid is hyperlexic, right? He probably loves those things. Mine does. Have him build equations with those as you play.

Example: Have a word problem written down with stuff he has, say Legos or something. Then show it to him, and read it with him. Let's say it is division. "Berryblondeboy, let's say you have 20 Legos, and you wanted to share them with me. If you wanted to make sure we both had an equal amount, how many Legos would we have, each?" Then, hopefully he will divvy up the Legos and make an equation out of the magnets when prompted.

If not, scaffold it, and help him divide the Legos up, and then see if he can do the equation with magnets. If that is too hard, start off easier. If it is too easy, do something harder. Manipulatives are used even for NT kids, these days. It is part of the curriculum, in the earlier years, anyway, and some other countries have been using them even longer than we have. They even have manipulatives for algebra and other more advanced math. If your kid is visual, it might help it click better. What you are aiming for, if your kid is visual enough, is for him to begin to "see" the word problem when he reads it.

Edited for syntax.

Oh this is excellent ASDMOMMYASDKid and HisMom. He is EXTREMELY visual, so this might help a ton - and I'll look into the testing above. I want him to feel more successful! He is a smart kid, but there are these barriers everywhere!

In addition to what was already posted, I'd recommend finding a list of words that are used to represent a function. He can refer to his list when in doubt.

I would not worry so much about the implications of his state testing yet, if you know his level of understanding to actually be different than his score. Instead, observe him closely doing homework--or better yet--at school. That will you give you the most precise and usable information about where he really lies.

Language processing can absolutely lower test scores for a very long time, possibly into adulthood--but absolutely in elementary school.

Also, what is his tolerance level for taking a long and boring test that doesn't directly affect him? I personally never had the patience or maturity to take standardized tests and just made patterns on the answer sheet until I was 12 or so.