Thank you for the kind words.
IQ Testing
IQ is a measure designed to assess an individual's cognitive abilities and intellectual functioning; specifically it aims to assess various aspects of intelligence, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed, and problem-solving abilities. These tests typically cover domains such as language, math, spatial reasoning, and logical thinking.
IQ scores are derived by comparing an individual's performance on the test to a representative sample of the population. The scores are standardized and follow a bell curve distribution, with the average score set at 100. Scores above 100 indicate above-average intelligence, while scores below 100 indicate below-average intelligence. The standard deviation is typically 15 points, meaning that about 68% of the population falls within the range of 85-115.
IQ scores are derived by comparing an individual's performance on the test to a representative sample of the population. The scores are standardized and follow a bell curve distribution, with the average score set at 100. Scores above 100 indicate above-average intelligence, while scores below 100 indicate below-average intelligence. The standard deviation is typically 15 points, meaning that about 68% of the population falls within the range of 85-115.
Commonly used IQ tests in Autism
- WAIS: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (ages 16-90)
- WISC-V: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (ages 6-16)
- KABC-II: Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (ages 3-18)
- MSEL: The Mullen Scales of Early Learning (ages birth - 5)
- DAS: The Differential Ability Scales (ages 2-17)
- Leiter-R (ages 2-20+)
- RIAS (ages 3-94)
- CAS Cognitive Assessment System (ages 5-17)
Other general problems and limitations of IQ Testing:
- Narrow Assessment: IQ tests primarily measure cognitive abilities related to academic success and may not capture the full range of human intelligence, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical skills.
- Cultural Bias: IQ tests have been criticized for potential cultural bias, as they may reflect the experiences, values, and knowledge of specific cultural or socioeconomic groups. Some questions or tasks may be more familiar or relevant to individuals from certain backgrounds, leading to potential disparities in scores.
- Limited Contextualization: IQ tests provide a snapshot of an individual's abilities at a specific point in time and may not account for the influence of environmental or socio-economic factors, educational opportunities, or individual motivation on test performance.
- Interpretation Challenges: IQ scores are often misinterpreted or used as a sole indicator of an individual's worth or potential, neglecting the complexity of human intelligence and the importance of other factors such as motivation, personality traits, or social and emotional skills.
History: The concept of IQ testing dates back to the early 20th century. Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon developed the first modern intelligence test in 1905. Over time, numerous IQ tests have been developed, revised, and standardized.
Why IQ Testing is Problematic in Autistics
Some reasons why IQ Testing is Problematic in Autistics.[What is IQ Testing]
- Communication, Language and Social Challenges: Many IQ tests heavily rely on verbal and social interaction (including comprehension, vocabulary, & verbal reasoning), which can be challenging for autistics who may experience difficulties with language, communication, (eg: difficulties with expressive and receptive language, pragmatics, and understanding abstract or ambiguous language) and social skills. This can lead to misinterpretations of their abilities.
Compassion is the mirror that reflects the beauty of our own souls
Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating an emotion, 1 line a day.
Our divided and conflicted world needs compassion more than ever. #MentalHealth.
ADOS - Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
Lexicon [Measures] - ADOS
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a semi-structured assessment for diagnosing autism. It consists of various social and play-based activities designed to observe behaviors related to autism. [See posts on other Screening/Diagnostic Measures]
Limitations of ADOS as a dx tool
- Not a Standalone Diagnostic Tool: It is intended to be part of a comprehensive evaluation, which should also include other assessments and detailed developmental history.
- Snapshot in Time: ADOS provides a snapshot of an individual's behavior during the time of the assessment, which may not capture the full range of behavior or abilities.
- Limited Scope: It primarily focuses on two areas: social interaction and communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Other aspects of autism, such as sensory issues or co-occurring conditions, are not part of the primary scoring system.
- Language and Age Constraints: While ADOS offers different modules for different developmental stages and language abilities, it may not be entirely suitable for all individuals, particularly those with complex profiles or co-occurring conditions.
- Requires Specialized Training: to ensure accurate administration and interpretation of the results. This requirement can limit its accessibility and use.
- Culture and Context: The ADOS was developed in English-speaking countries and may not fully account for cultural differences in behavior and communication. Translated versions are available, but they may not capture all nuances.
- Reliability of Diagnosis over Time: Some studies have questioned the reliability of the ADOS over time, especially in younger children, where symptoms and behaviors can change significantly as the child grows and develops.
Discussion on Epilepsy in Autism
https://brainfoundation.org/empowering-voices-epilepsy-in-autism/
on 6/2/23.
Registration https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Y_T4XhL8SqazIsqfkg4AjA#/registration
Grandma at Vandy
Saroja Paati (Grandma) visiting from India
and a visit to Vandy
A proud and beaming grandma at the Frist Center and outside my office space at the LASR Research Lab.
Compassion is the light that shines in the eyes of those who care
Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating an emotion, 1 line a day.
Our divided and conflicted world needs compassion more than ever. #MentalHealth.
Egocentric spatiotemporal perception
Concepts in Sensorimotor Research.
It is a fundamental aspect of self-consciousness and scaffolds our subjective experience of being present, in the here and now, which is vital for our survival and wellbeing.
Alterations may lead to feelings of self-detachment, self-fragmentation, and body and world alienation.
Disability in Strength
A new mural titled “Disability is Strength, at Oakland Airport honors visionaries who helped
build the movement for disability rights and independence, and present a vision for a future of full inclusion, rights and justice.The mural features disability rights pioneers Ed Roberts, Judith Heumann and Brad Lomax.
Judy Heumann, one of the great and recently deceased disability rights early advocates once said, "Independent Living isn't doing everything by yourself – it's being in control of how things are done."
Compassion is the key that unlocks the door to forgiveness
Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating an emotion, 1 line a day.
Our divided and conflicted world needs compassion more than ever. #MentalHealth.
Depersonalization and Autism
What is Depersonalization Disorder (DPD)
- Loss of body ownership /disembodiment feelings / somatosensory distortions/ loss of agency: distressing feelings of being 'spaced out', detached from one's self, body, and the world (observing yourself from a distance).
- atypical 'flat' time perception (alterations in perception, including disruptions in the perception of time. )
Research findings on DPD and atypical time perception in the NT population
- Distorted perception of time: Tendency to overestimate the duration of time intervals, perceiving time as slower than it actually is which can contribute to the overall sense of detachment (1,2)
- Neural correlates of time perception: fMRI studies show differences in brain activity and connectivity patterns in regions associated with time processing, eg: PFC and parietal cortex (3,4)
- Role of attentional processes: Difficulties in allocating attention appropriately, leading to a reduced ability to accurately perceive and process temporal information (5,6)
- Emotional factors: Emotional states, eg anxiety and stress, can modulate time perception, leading to temporal distortions. DP folks often experience heightened levels of anxiety and emotional distress, which may contribute to their altered perception of time. (1,2)
- Both involve atypical sensory processing suggesting a potential shared underlying connection.
- Overlap in Symptoms: Though there are distinct dx criteria, both share some overlapping symptoms, such as a sense of detachment from oneself, difficulties with emotional regulation, and social challenges.
- Neurobiological Factors: Though the specific mechanisms and neural circuits may differ, both potentially involve alterations in brain functioning and connectivity.
- Impact on Functioning: Co-occurrence may exacerbate the challenges in everyday functioning especially in areas of social interactions and emotional well-being.
Research Findings in Autism and Implications
- 17% autistics met the diagnostic criteria for DPD, compared to 2% non-autistic (7)
- Compared to controls, autism+DPD more likely to have
- higher anxiety and depression (8)
- more difficulty with social interaction and communication (9)
- more repetitive behaviors and special interests (10)
PD Soros Fall Conference
I went in with a lot of anxiety last year and ended up having a lot of fun.
Looking forward to this year's event in Manhattan, NY on Oct 19-22
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