102 The Test Says One Thing About Your Child—But Is It Right?

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.comWhen kids struggle in school, testing is often recommended to figure out how to support them. But what happens when the test results don’t match what you see in your child every day?In this episode, we’re diving into the limitations of standardized tests—especially for neurodiverse kids—and how they often miss key aspects of a child’s intelligence, learning style, and executive functioning. You’ll also learn how to supplement school testing to get a more complete picture of your child’s strengths and struggles.Instead of saying, "The test is wrong," try this approach:"Here’s what the standardized test says, and here’s additional testing that helps us understand why there was such a difference between some of the scores. Can we look at both to build the best support plan?"Key Takeaways:Standardized tests don’t always reflect your child’s true abilities because they measure only certain skills in a controlled, one-size-fits-all way.Neurodiverse kids—especially those who are gifted, autistic, ADHD, or have executive functioning struggles—may not perform well on tests designed for “typical” learners.A single test score doesn’t define your child’s intelligence or potential. Understanding their executive functioning skills can reveal their actual strengths and needs.Parents should trust their observations and use additional assessments to get a fuller picture of their child’s abilities.How to advocate for your child in school and present a more complete picture of their learning needs.Episode Highlights:[00:00] Welcome & Introduction – Why testing is often recommended and why it doesn’t always tell the whole story.[01:30] The Limitations of Standardized Testing – Why tests are designed the way they are and why they often don’t capture neurodiverse thinking.[04:50] The "Broken Microphone" Analogy – How tests only measure what they are designed to measure, and why that can be misleading.[06:30] Gifted Testing & Executive Functioning Challenges – How gifted kids can be overlooked or misdiagnosed due to uneven test results.[08:45] Autism, ADHD & Learning Disabilities in Testing – How testing environments can impact results, and why context matters.[10:30] The WISC Test & What It Measures – Breaking down the different categories, including verbal comprehension, working memory, and processing speed.[14:15] The Swiss Cheese Brain vs. The Smooth Surface – Why kids with uneven skills struggle in school and how schools often don’t know what to do with them.[18:30] Why Gifted Kids Still Struggle in School – The reality of executive functioning struggles, even in highly intelligent children.[21:45] Why Schools Rely on Standardized Data – The system’s limitations and why parents must take a proactive role in advocating for their child.[24:00] How to Supplement Standardized Testing – The importance of executive functioning assessments and how to find professionals who understand these skills.[26:30] Resources for Executive Functioning Assessments – Recommendations for finding the right support and assessments outside of school.[28:15] How to Advocate for Your Child in School – Phrasing to use when discussing test results with teachers and administrators.[30:00] Homeschooling & Executive Functioning – Why homeschoolers don’t need standardized tests and how to focus on EF skills.[34:45] The Importance of Advocating for EF Support in Schools – Why pushing for better accommodations and understanding is essential.[36:30] Final Thoughts & How to Get Support – The importance of seeing beyond test scores and helping kids thrive in ways that work for them.Resources Mentioned:Executive Functioning Self-Assessment (Short Version) – Get a quick snapshot of your child’s executive functioning strengths and struggles: https://andiclark.com/assess-emotions/ Seeds of Learning – Tara Sumpner – A leader in executive functioning education. Check out her resources and assessments: https://terasumpter.com/ Book Recommendation: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss – Learn how to navigate tough conversations with schools and advocate effectively: https://www.blackswanltd.com/never-split-the-difference Episodes on Verbal & Nonverbal Working Memory – Learn more about how working memory impacts learning.Episode 88: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-is-working-memory-part-1-verbal-working-memory/id1674274021?i=1000679707457Episode 89: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/89-ef-series-what-is-working-memory-part-2-non-verbal/id1674274021?i=1000680529317If you’re looking for deeper support on this journey, my Support Circle is where we work through these moments together. You don’t have to do this alone. https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/