Could the experts be wrong about diagnosing my son as borderline mentally retarded?

I have a 6 year old son, and he has a diagnoses of PDD-NOS, which is on the autism spectrum. (Sort of like high functioning autism.) He has also had 2 professional I.Q. tests in which he was given a score of 70, which is borderline mentally retarded. In my opinion, he seems to be so bright. I'm not sure if I'm in denial and missed the signs or if the psychologists are wrong. As a baby and toddler, he met almost all his milestones right on time or was early. (With the exception of walking, which he reached at 17.5 months.) My family and his teachers have also mentioned to me that he seems significantly brighter than his I.Q. score suggests. However, perhaps they're trying to pacify me. He has an excellent memory of past events, and comes up with creative thoughts.. Because of his autism spectrum disorder, he has social difficulties, but he otherwise seems normal to me. Could the tests be wrong, or am I just not seeing something that everyone else is? I don't know what to think.Could the experts be wrong about diagnosing my son as borderline mentally retarded?
Kids on the spectrum cannot be given standard IQ tests; they have a tendency to do poorly on those. Not because they aren't bright, but because they (1) have trouble sitting still (2) need questions repeated in a new way (3) trouble focusing, etc. Ask about getting him another type of IQ test.
IQ tests are naver very accurate I mean Albert Einsten's IQ was only 160 compared to others who are in the 200'sCould the experts be wrong about diagnosing my son as borderline mentally retarded?
Usually people with autism are Bright in 1 or 2 areas such as math and science, but may struggle in 1 or 2 areas such as english and history.
IQ tests are bunk. Experts can always be wrong.



Honestly it sounds like Asbergers Syndrome, which isn't a huge deal and I don't even think it qualifies as a syndrome so much as a simple social hangup.Could the experts be wrong about diagnosing my son as borderline mentally retarded?
Yes, your child is still growing %26amp; I would continue having him tested every two years up to the age of 18.



I had an IQ test when I was around 22 years old. I have an IQ of 80.



The neuropsychologist told me I would never make it in college. I graduated college a few years ago with a certificate in human services.



Best of Luck.
No! because they can give him an IQ test.
It is VERY POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In those on the autistic spectrum it is very hard to test for accurate IQ for various reasons, such as sesory issues, trouble focusing and many other reasons.
doctors definitely can be wrong and it seems anymore, love putting someone in a category. i say ignore his IQ results and just go on teaching him and interacting with him as you have been. he sounds delightful and healthy to me. or, you could get a 2nd opinion.
First of all relax. There is no objective test capable of diagnosing autism. This is an affliction which is diagnosed entirely subjectively. In other words, it's only the opinion of the physician based on general standards.



If he seems normal to you, then that's what counts. Pay no attention to the "experts'" tests. Best wishes to your son and you :)
I wouldn't worry to much about IQ scores. They are very objective and only measure learning potential and not how bright the child is.

I had two professionally given IQ tests and one came out at 135 and the other in the 150's, so they can very greatly...



just do all you can to help your son and don't worry too much about labels :)
if he has sat 2 IQ tests then I am guessing it is the right diagnosis but if you feel you should go for a second and third opinion
I have worked with students with mental retardation as well as autism. My mother is a director of Special Education here in CA as well. Autism can vary greatly between each individual. It is rare to say that any two cases are exactly right. There are many unknowns with Autism. Many autistic people have issues in social situations or become obsessive about things. You can be autistic and still be high functioning. One example I would give to you would be one of my students in the 3rd grade memorized all the states and capitols of the U.S. all on his own and just started telling us what they all were one day. I wouldn't let it bother you and as long as he is functioning well in school.