Hello I'm Chad!

[chad44]

I found this site through searching for answers about my previous WIAT and WISC-III test scores.
I'm hoping that I can benefit from this site.

My situation:
I took the tests when I was 14(1997) and then visited the Hallowell Center in Sudbury MA in 2001 for follow up, as I was trying to get onto Adderall or something to help me focus.

I recently got a hold of my WIAT and WISC-III scoring and I was surprised by the scoring as it shows large discrepancies in my expected scoring in some areas.

Who/What/Where should I look to get information about my scoring?

I am 27 now and find that I am having trouble achieving the level of focus I would like in order to succeed in life. I took one year of college and did not focus and took up a trade which I have excelled in, but wish to return to College for Electro-Mechanical Engineering but feel I do not have the focus to do so.

Also, I barely graduated high school with grades ranging from A-F throughout my school career, starting in elementary school.

I would like to find a way to strengthen my weaknesses and play on my strengths.

Without going full depth here my strengths are(generally) on the performance side while , my lowest scoring was in "Performance- Coding Subtest" in which I rated in the 9th percentile.
I also rated 39th percetile in processing speed, Verbal comprehension was low at 66th percentile
Vocabulary and Comprehension in Verbal testing was also in the 50th percentile

My Highest scoring was as follows:
Written expression: 136 - 99th percentile
Oral Expression: 125 - 95th percentile
Perceptual Organization: 130 - 98th percentile


I have all these tests, and I have a pretty good idea of what they say my strengths and weaknesses are but have no idea how to "fix" my problems... any and all help is HUGELY appreciated.

[chad44]

I should have also mentioned that I have in fact been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD...

[John]

Welcome Chad . . . It's great that you have a diagnoses, that's something to work with. Several things to remember: This is a journey more then a destination and more then likely your problems will not be 'fixed', likely the way you handle and function with them will be adjusted and modified would be a more accurate description.

[chad44]

Nov 9, 2010 12:23:58 GMT -5 John said:

Welcome Chad . . . It's great that you have a diagnoses, that's something to work with. Several things to remember: This is a journey more then a destination and more then likely your problems will not be 'fixed', likely the way you handle and function with them will be adjusted and modified would be a more accurate description.

Thanks, I put fix in quotes as a hint that I cannot be fixed, rather that i needed to work on my problems as later mentioned. I'm looking forward to learning how to better function with my short-falls, and learning from forum members how to do so. Thank You!

[misty]

Hi Chad! I'm sorry I'm no good at deciphering the scoring of the tests, but there are some here who I'm sure will help in that area. My daughter is 16 ADHD inattentive type & unmedicated. We decided not to medicate after trying meds & not getting great results. Of course meds are wonderful for some, but remember that even when you do get prescribed meds most people have a few months (or much longer) of trial & error before finding one that fits them. As John said, being diagnosed is great, but you are now on a lifelong journey that will have many adjustments & modifications as you go.

My daughter's biggest hurdles are that she has a poor working memory & that she is the most unorganized person I have ever met. She's smart as a whip though & we have been making slow strides in organization over the past 7 years (since her diagnosis). The biggest piece of advice I can offer you is not to expect fast progress, but rejoice in the little steps you make. You'll be happier that way!

I'm so glad you found us & I'm looking forward to getting to know you!

[charliegirl]

Welcome Chad!

I'm an adult ADHDer and I can certainly empathize with you. Learning to cope and excel with ADHD is a lifelong journey but there are things you can do now to get a much needed boost.

What meds have you tried and when did you try them? Are you taking anything now? There have been many new meds developed since 1997. Most are still variations of the same stims that have been around for years but if you tried in the past and didn't like them, you may have more success with the newer ones.

Have you found any coping skills that work for you at this point? An ADHD coach may be beneficial if you are willing to work with one.

Depression and stress often go hand in hand with ADHD. Have you ever been treated for one of those? If not, do you feel stressed or depressed? Treating those makes a world of difference for me.

I'd love to learn more about you. Please, post anything about yourself you feel might be relevant. We can help you work on issues you have that might help you learn to develop better focus and concentration.

You can do well in college. We'll all help you all we can so you will dare go back. Its scary but it can be done.

[jill]

Welcome to the board Chad. As for school now you know what is going on with yourself maybe once you learn how to cope and learn new things maybe even try medication you can succeed. Another idea with school is instead of taking a full schedule do a few classes at a time may take longer but can be done and less overwhelming.

I have a oh my she will be 11 tomorrow! My girl has been diagnosed with Moderate to Severe ADHD Inattentive type, ODD, Sensory problems, and mild anxiety. I also have a husband un-diagnosed and they can be two peas in a pod.

[jj]

I can't really help you with those test scores but I would imagine if you presented them to your psychologist, if you have one, he would be able to decipher something from them and give you some guidance. You may even want to talk to the college counselor and they may be of some help.

Wish I could be more help. Nice to have you here. I look forward to getting to know you better.

[John]

Nov 14, 2010 0:17:47 GMT -5 jj said:

I can't really help you . . .

Wish I could be more help. . . I look forward to getting to know you better.

Gosh JJ, you really sent Chad some mixed signals there . . . I hope you didn't scare off another potential member . . . Again.

[jj]

Nov 16, 2010 14:03:26 GMT -5 John said:

Nov 14, 2010 0:17:47 GMT -5 jj said:

I can't really help you . . .

Wish I could be more help. . . I look forward to getting to know you better.

Gosh JJ, you really sent Chad some mixed signals there . . . I hope you didn't scare off another potential member . . . Again.

Are you picking on me or what?