Reuter’s Report Challenges Testing and Internet Autism Presence

by Adelle Tilton on February 21st, 2006

The American Association for the Advancement of Science brought some fascinating information to the public’s attention Sunday, February 19th. It is information that will have a large impact on how children with autism are educated but it is not without interest for teenagers and adults with autism and their families.

The report released said that the wrong IQ tests have been used in testing children with autism and because of this, kids are receiving scores of up to 30 points below what the proper test would show. This difference is substantial and could change the opportunities available for people with autism.

The study also questions the use of “Theory of Mind,” in evaluating people with autism. If indeed the wrong tests have been used, it is safe to assume the entire face of autism, or rather how we view it, is changing.

But the main thing that caught my attention was how the report stated that the Internet information was hampering efforts to get accurate diagnoses on children and the appropriate treatments in effect. I have been concerned about this for some time and am very curious to see where this train of thought will go.

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