Junior in HS with low IQ - what happens after HS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you think the score is accurate? What are his strengths? Have you gotten involved with vocational rehabilitation-they also help with schooling.
I ask bc my daughter scored an 81 in 5th grade but I’m not sure how accurate it is. I think it’s probably closer to 90. She’s a talented piano player and swimmer, and she’s scores about grade level on all of her benchmarks. Headed to 7th now. She absolutely has adhd and some language deficits.

I see her starting at our local community college but I think that she could finish a 4 yr degree at a slower pace and with some help. She (and your kiddo) needs to look at jobs that play to their strengths-for her that is quick calculations, strong long term memory, and being resourceful. She has an interest in ASL and animals, so possibly interpreter or vet tech.

Pp, not to get us off topic, but I don’t think that 81 sounds right. My DD who is the same age scored an 88 and also has LD and ADHD and she is hitting benchmarks for everything except math where she is a year behind (with LOTS of tutoring). Sounds like your DD is well beyond her.

I'm about to get off topic and then get back on, if that is ok.

oh, we also do tutoring. idk where we would be without it. Don't get me wrong, she needs support but I've seen some scores that have me scratching my head (I'm an EC teacher in a southern state). For example, I had a student with an IQ of 75 that could not complete any assignments independently in my Occupational Course of Study classes and needed reminders to wipe his face when he had snot on it. I'm like, how is my child 6 points from this? Or a girl making honor roll in Gen Ed classes being served as IDMild on her IEP-she needed no support from me as her inclusion Algebra 1 teacher.

I'm not super concerned about the score, but I do think that I need to work with her on higher level adaptive behavior skills and thinking through things before making quick decisions. I wish there was a program/camp/class that could address that.

To the OP: Has your son done any career interest inventories that identify what career clusters he'd be interested in? As he gets close to graduating, it is super important to get him involved with Voc Rehab. They usually do their own IQ and educational testing to best match them up with services.

Schedule a meeting with someone from disability services at your local community college. They see students with all sorts of profiles and can guide you.

Has he taken the ASVAB or career and college readiness assessments? The ASVAB is not just for the Armed Forces: https://www.officialasvab.com/counselors-educators/asvab-career-exploration-program/

Wow, the kids you’re discussing here are other peoples’ children. You sound awful. I hope you don’t express your disdain for these kids whose iq scores you question in real life.

I don't have any disdain for him, I'm just being matter of fact. We all liked him a lot-made him a visual to help with self care/manners and showed his parents how to use it at home so that he could generalize the skills. It's true, he couldn't complete any assignments independently-we modified the already modified curriculum for him. He needed reminders to wipe snot and crumbs off his face. He would also pass gas loudly in class and cough/sneeze without covering. We (asst and I) worked really hard to help him have some age appropriate self help skills. He needed help in all areas of adaptive behavior-his IQ score wasn't commensurate with his academic or adaptive behavior that would be expected of someone with a score of 75. With TONS of help he made it through the OCS program but he was likely inappropriately placed bc his IQ score was too high for the more specialized program. The other students I had with IQ scores in the 70's could do the modified curriculum with basic teacher support and didn't have any adaptive behavior deficits for self care.

Likewise the other student I had in my gen ed math classes qualified for services as ID-Mild but she didn't need any support academically other than extended time and testing in a separate room. How could these two kids possibly both have intellectual disabilities? My point being that IDK if it is evaluator bias, crappy tests, or some other factor but often the scores don't seem to reflect a child's true capability.

I don’t know what kind of educator you are or what sort of knowledge you have regarding children with special needs, but it sounds minimal. Many children with autism have very high iQs but struggle with self care and adaptive skills. Many kids with normal IQs and special needs have sensory issues and can’t do age appropriate self care. It has literally nothing to do with their IQ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you think the score is accurate? What are his strengths? Have you gotten involved with vocational rehabilitation-they also help with schooling.
I ask bc my daughter scored an 81 in 5th grade but I’m not sure how accurate it is. I think it’s probably closer to 90. She’s a talented piano player and swimmer, and she’s scores about grade level on all of her benchmarks. Headed to 7th now. She absolutely has adhd and some language deficits.

I see her starting at our local community college but I think that she could finish a 4 yr degree at a slower pace and with some help. She (and your kiddo) needs to look at jobs that play to their strengths-for her that is quick calculations, strong long term memory, and being resourceful. She has an interest in ASL and animals, so possibly interpreter or vet tech.

.

Op here. This is a very valid question. The admissions director at his school did not think that his score was accurate based on his admission interview. She said to have him retested. I will say though he did the IQ test three years prior and also had a score below 80 so there has been consistency with his IQ score. I was in shock after receiving this news and actually posted on this site to find help and resources.

I am also thinking of going the community college road but to be honest I think he will struggle with that. I hate to set him up for failure but I feel he’s too young to have no pathway in life.

He does not have an IEP as he goes to a special needs private school so they are not required. However, I do think going forward he needs a neuropath report to see what resources he could receive. Am I correct in saying that’s the report he needs?

To all the posters, thank you so much. I am grateful for this special forum. I often feel so alone as my friends cannot relate.

I am not on the DMV area. I live out west. I grew up in the DMV area, my family still lives there. Thanks again.

Neuropsych or neuropsychological assessment is the correct way to state it. They are completed by neuropsychologists, tend to be expensive, and may or may not be covered by your insurance (mine never has been). A psychoeducational assessment could be another starting place if money is an issue, though I would also expect it will be expensive. I think insurance covered $200 out of $1300 for ours. Those are completed by clinical psychologists, school psychologists, and/or developmental psychologists. I think the specific person is more important than their degree so ask around for personal recommendations. We used a master's level school psychologist and she was phenomenal, better even than the neuropsychologist we had used prior.

I would do this eval sooner rather than later to help you plan for your child's future.

You may be able to get some services through your local school system, but if not, there may also be people who provide private consultation on "transition to adulthood".

[Anonymous]

OP, in my state 'don't know about all others' a student in private school has the right to an IEP. The private school does NOT have to provide services, but the student is entitled to the IEP. The IEP may be helpful in getting services for dc post high school.

[Anonymous]

Posted too soon-to be clear, I mean that the public school is required to do the IEP, even if the student is in private school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you think the score is accurate? What are his strengths? Have you gotten involved with vocational rehabilitation-they also help with schooling.
I ask bc my daughter scored an 81 in 5th grade but I’m not sure how accurate it is. I think it’s probably closer to 90. She’s a talented piano player and swimmer, and she’s scores about grade level on all of her benchmarks. Headed to 7th now. She absolutely has adhd and some language deficits.

I see her starting at our local community college but I think that she could finish a 4 yr degree at a slower pace and with some help. She (and your kiddo) needs to look at jobs that play to their strengths-for her that is quick calculations, strong long term memory, and being resourceful. She has an interest in ASL and animals, so possibly interpreter or vet tech.

.

Op here. This is a very valid question. The admissions director at his school did not think that his score was accurate based on his admission interview. She said to have him retested. I will say though he did the IQ test three years prior and also had a score below 80 so there has been consistency with his IQ score. I was in shock after receiving this news and actually posted on this site to find help and resources.

I am also thinking of going the community college road but to be honest I think he will struggle with that. I hate to set him up for failure but I feel he’s too young to have no pathway in life.

He does not have an IEP as he goes to a special needs private school so they are not required. However, I do think going forward he needs a neuropath report to see what resources he could receive. Am I correct in saying that’s the report he needs?

To all the posters, thank you so much. I am grateful for this special forum. I often feel so alone as my friends cannot relate.

I am not on the DMV area. I live out west. I grew up in the DMV area, my family still lives there. Thanks again.

Neuropsych or neuropsychological assessment is the correct way to state it. They are completed by neuropsychologists, tend to be expensive, and may or may not be covered by your insurance (mine never has been). A psychoeducational assessment could be another starting place if money is an issue, though I would also expect it will be expensive. I think insurance covered $200 out of $1300 for ours. Those are completed by clinical psychologists, school psychologists, and/or developmental psychologists. I think the specific person is more important than their degree so ask around for personal recommendations. We used a master's level school psychologist and she was phenomenal, better even than the neuropsychologist we had used prior.

I would do this eval sooner rather than later to help you plan for your child's future.

You may be able to get some services through your local school system, but if not, there may also be people who provide private consultation on "transition to adulthood".

Thank you!!!!!

[Anonymous]

My oldest has a lower IQ. College really isn’t a realistic plan for lots of kids, mine included. We recognized this by the beginning of HS so I helped him figure out what he might like to study in our public vo tech.

He was able to graduate from HS with lots of support. Then through a National trade association, he got a full scholarship to a community college trade program - no tests required, just all hands on training and it was over a two year period instead of some of the more well known one year programs. The slower pace was definitely a great decision because the faster pace would have been too hard and frustrating.

He’s worked full time since HS but the biggest issue I’ve found is that he got taken advantage of and treated unfairly to the point of wage and hour type violations and unauthorized payroll deductions. So I helped him get a county union job. Now he earns a living wage, has health insurance and has paid leave and a pension.

It’s been a tough road but he’s highly successful and he grew up to be a great person. I think the key for us was recognizing his deficits and helping him find a direction that would work for him.

Being in public school there is also a lot of transitional support and post HS assistance. My son didn’t use them - his vo tech provided similar services for their kids.

Anyway, good luck. The trades are a great alternative if your goal is independence and earning a living wage. But, unlike a PP’s plumber relative, my son won’t be rich. His disabilities will always limit his outcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My oldest has a lower IQ. College really isn’t a realistic plan for lots of kids, mine included. We recognized this by the beginning of HS so I helped him figure out what he might like to study in our public vo tech.

He was able to graduate from HS with lots of support. Then through a National trade association, he got a full scholarship to a community college trade program - no tests required, just all hands on training and it was over a two year period instead of some of the more well known one year programs. The slower pace was definitely a great decision because the faster pace would have been too hard and frustrating.

He’s worked full time since HS but the biggest issue I’ve found is that he got taken advantage of and treated unfairly to the point of wage and hour type violations and unauthorized payroll deductions. So I helped him get a county union job. Now he earns a living wage, has health insurance and has paid leave and a pension.

It’s been a tough road but he’s highly successful and he grew up to be a great person. I think the key for us was recognizing his deficits and helping him find a direction that would work for him.

Being in public school there is also a lot of transitional support and post HS assistance. My son didn’t use them - his vo tech provided similar services for their kids.

Anyway, good luck. The trades are a great alternative if your goal is independence and earning a living wage. But, unlike a PP’s plumber relative, my son won’t be rich. His disabilities will always limit his outcome.

Thank you. I feel like my son will be in the same position and get taken advantage of. I am happy to hear your son is successful. Great job mama!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Help him to get an apprenticeship. Traditional school is not his thing, stop forcing it. Make sure he had real life skills to support himself. Tradesmen can make lots of money and you don't need an MBA to own your own business. He needs to learn where to go for information rather than having or processing the information himself- just like Henry Ford. He doesn't need to be smart to surround himself with smart people.

Agreed. We have many lawyers and doctors in my family, but my plumber uncle is the richest of us all. Happiest too, and retired the earliest.

An apprenticeship in a trade is great. Electrician might be beyond him, but HVAC or something. It can’t be outsourced and it’s a long way from AI stealing it, so it’s fairly future proof too.

Why do people assume that these jobs are suitable for someone with a low iq?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Blue collar job

Many blue collar jobs require at least an average IQ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My oldest has a lower IQ. College really isn’t a realistic plan for lots of kids, mine included. We recognized this by the beginning of HS so I helped him figure out what he might like to study in our public vo tech.

He was able to graduate from HS with lots of support. Then through a National trade association, he got a full scholarship to a community college trade program - no tests required, just all hands on training and it was over a two year period instead of some of the more well known one year programs. The slower pace was definitely a great decision because the faster pace would have been too hard and frustrating.

He’s worked full time since HS but the biggest issue I’ve found is that he got taken advantage of and treated unfairly to the point of wage and hour type violations and unauthorized payroll deductions. So I helped him get a county union job. Now he earns a living wage, has health insurance and has paid leave and a pension.

It’s been a tough road but he’s highly successful and he grew up to be a great person. I think the key for us was recognizing his deficits and helping him find a direction that would work for him.

Being in public school there is also a lot of transitional support and post HS assistance. My son didn’t use them - his vo tech provided similar services for their kids.

Anyway, good luck. The trades are a great alternative if your goal is independence and earning a living wage. But, unlike a PP’s plumber relative, my son won’t be rich. His disabilities will always limit his outcome.

.


What do girls with low iqs do? Yes, I know they can do apprenticeship programs and go into the trades as well. But let’s be honest, these jobs do not appeal to many girls. Are there any jobs outside the blue collar trades, that provide a liveable wage, and can be performed by someone with a low iq?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My oldest has a lower IQ. College really isn’t a realistic plan for lots of kids, mine included. We recognized this by the beginning of HS so I helped him figure out what he might like to study in our public vo tech.

He was able to graduate from HS with lots of support. Then through a National trade association, he got a full scholarship to a community college trade program - no tests required, just all hands on training and it was over a two year period instead of some of the more well known one year programs. The slower pace was definitely a great decision because the faster pace would have been too hard and frustrating.

He’s worked full time since HS but the biggest issue I’ve found is that he got taken advantage of and treated unfairly to the point of wage and hour type violations and unauthorized payroll deductions. So I helped him get a county union job. Now he earns a living wage, has health insurance and has paid leave and a pension.

It’s been a tough road but he’s highly successful and he grew up to be a great person. I think the key for us was recognizing his deficits and helping him find a direction that would work for him.

Being in public school there is also a lot of transitional support and post HS assistance. My son didn’t use them - his vo tech provided similar services for their kids.

Anyway, good luck. The trades are a great alternative if your goal is independence and earning a living wage. But, unlike a PP’s plumber relative, my son won’t be rich. His disabilities will always limit his outcome.

Loved reading this. Sharing a possible route to explore and being realistic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My oldest has a lower IQ. College really isn’t a realistic plan for lots of kids, mine included. We recognized this by the beginning of HS so I helped him figure out what he might like to study in our public vo tech.

He was able to graduate from HS with lots of support. Then through a National trade association, he got a full scholarship to a community college trade program - no tests required, just all hands on training and it was over a two year period instead of some of the more well known one year programs. The slower pace was definitely a great decision because the faster pace would have been too hard and frustrating.

He’s worked full time since HS but the biggest issue I’ve found is that he got taken advantage of and treated unfairly to the point of wage and hour type violations and unauthorized payroll deductions. So I helped him get a county union job. Now he earns a living wage, has health insurance and has paid leave and a pension.

It’s been a tough road but he’s highly successful and he grew up to be a great person. I think the key for us was recognizing his deficits and helping him find a direction that would work for him.

Being in public school there is also a lot of transitional support and post HS assistance. My son didn’t use them - his vo tech provided similar services for their kids.

Anyway, good luck. The trades are a great alternative if your goal is independence and earning a living wage. But, unlike a PP’s plumber relative, my son won’t be rich. His disabilities will always limit his outcome.

.


What do girls with low iqs do? Yes, I know they can do apprenticeship programs and go into the trades as well. But let’s be honest, these jobs do not appeal to many girls. Are there any jobs outside the blue collar trades, that provide a liveable wage, and can be performed by someone with a low iq?

I was just thinking about this. I work with an agency that works with a lot of folks with lower IQs. The women are largely in housekeeping or factory/assembly jobs.

[Anonymous]

A friends younger sister did this program:

https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/education/study/carolinalife/index.php

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A friends younger sister did this program:

https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/education/study/carolinalife/index.php

OP here. This looks intriguing. Can you please tell me the benefits of a non degree course ? I am confused as I’ve seen a few of these program. What does one do upon completion?

[Anonymous]

You know your child and their strengths and needs.

Speaking as a special ed teacher SUBTEST scores are more useful in many cases than full-scale IQ's. (processing speed, working memory, fluid reasoning).

I have had MANY students with a FSIQ from 79-90 with an IEP in inclusion classes. Many kids may have a FSIQ in that range but if their adaptive skills are typical it's hard/impossible to tell them apart from any other students unless you are comparing scores on standardized tests. Also, many if not most of those kids can do quite well when given time and other supports (like calculators) that are available to people once they are living their adult lives anyway.

I guess what I'm saying is that an IQ in this range with otherwise typical adaptive skills does not equal an intellectual disability and while school/college may be more difficult or stressful for this person it might not be impossible (with some accommodations and support and maybe some extra time) and certainly people can lead productive and normal lives.