Expert: James Michael Roan - 3/18/2006

Question
I have a 9 year old son who is currently diagnosed with ADD and sensory intergration. We are yet again awaiting a diagnosis for PDD-NOS.He meets most of the criteria for PDD-NOS but we are finding it hard to receive a diagnosis. They say he has evolved so much since he was 3 that they are not sure. My question is this. He has taken 3 IQ test and his scores have been 60, 65, and 70. Which would put him in the mild retardation range. No doctor has suggested this to us because academically he functions above his current IQ. He also does not require any self help training. Would PDD-NOS or his current ADD interfer with his IQ scores? He struggles in some areas of school but he seems to be catching up. He reads a grade level above Does this sound like someone with a low IQ?

Answer
Hi Angie;

Those IQ score are really measuring your son's language delay. Obviously, as you have noted, his IQ at the worst is in the low-average range. You cannot be at grade level with mental retardation. I'm am very happy for you and your son. It sounds like he will do well. Keep an eye on his social development and make sure he does not develop depression if those skills are low. If he ha at least one friend, he should be o.k.

Kind Regards,
James