Q:Are the IQ tests like WISC and Stanford-Binet
appropriate for IA children?
A: This question has no simple answer:
it depends on how long the child is in the adoptive family, on
the nature of referral issues, and on the situation with the language
in general, etc. Each and every time this must be decided individually,
there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. I have developed
a template of testing procedures for screening (on arrival) and
for full evaluation (both on arrival and within the next 2-5 years
in the country) for IA children ages 3 to 14+. I have submitted
these templates with the descriptions to NASP (National Association
of School Psychology) to be published in their “Best Practice”
Handbook, but it will occur only in 2006-2007 editions. Meanwhile,
you can look at Screening
Details to see my recommendations for the
initial screening tests and procedures, and at Assessment
Details for the same recommendations about
the full assessment. I have to repeat again and again: tests are
only instruments; the most important thing is the interpretation
of the results. And here a lot depends on who does the interpretation;
if this specialist has experience with IA children and is familiar
with the issues of institutional behavior and dynamics. In general,
psychological assessments are done with different goals in mind,
including one of eligibility for a service, placement, or an acceptance
to certain program/school. The goals determine the selection of
instruments. I talk about all these in more details in the online
class:Course
BG3 - Initial Psycho-Educational Screening And Full Assessment
of an Internationally Adopted Child
