IQ tests don't reliably predict academic performance for autisticchildren

SEATTLE, WN - GHN News Editor - New research from the University of Washington has demonstrated that
intelligence tests don't predict the academic performance of autistic
children.

90%

of autistic children are shown to have a significant discrepancy
between performance and verbal language measures on IQ test.  But their
abilities to succeed academically are greater than once thought.

“Academic
achievement is a potential source of self-worth and source of feeling
of mastery that people may not have realized is available to children
with autism,” said Annette Estes, research assistant professor at the
UW’s Autism Center.

IQ
tests have been found to reliably predict academic performance of those
without autism, but don't have the same potential for those with the
disorder.

The
earlier children with autism spectrum disorder are diagnosed, the more
improvement they can make.  Researchers have previously found that those
children who have good intervention early on using behavioral
interventions end up performing within the average range on tests of
intelligence.

The present study in the online edition of the Nov 2 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and  the University of Washington website..

This research didn't examine how students might perform in school, just in the
application of knowledge on certain skill areas.  Researchers say, as a
result,

 “We
need to know if children with autism spectrum disorders who have these
higher-than-expected scores are able to demonstrate their abilities in
the classroom in terms of grades and other measures of success,” Estes
said. “This could influence placement in classes that adequately
challenge them.”

The
children who scored below their predicted level may be struggling in
certain subjects. “We want to get them the assistance they need to reach
their potentials,” Estes said.

New research is important for a disorder that is becoming more and more prevalent, according to Autism Speaks:

"Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with
autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes
and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the
U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Government
statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17

percent "annually