MOSAIC MOMENTS

It is commonly known that people with Down syndrome, regardless of what kind, have mild to moderate ranges of cognitive delays.

However, it is thought by some that people with mosaic Down syndrome all have a higher IQ than those with Down syndrome.

In one research studysome investigators tried to determine if there is a relationship, or correlation, between the percentages of Mosaicism people have in their blood and their intelligence quotients (IQ).  In this type of study, certain statistical tests are used to decide if the relationship they find is real, or statistically significant.   Although some investigators have noted a trend toward an increased IQ with smaller percentages of trisomic cells, a clear relationship has not been consistently demonstrated.  This may be due, in part, to the small numbers of people with Mosaic DS who were studied (about 30).

In my experience talking with families of children with MDS and Ds, I can confidently say that there is a very wide range of IQ levels in these individuals.

In looking at IQ scores the following is the basis in which a person is scored:

IQ is the most interesting thing about mosaic Down syndrome. Individuals with mosaic Down syndrome can have such a different level of cognitive ability that you really never know what to expect until you get there!

However, I have never put a lot of stock into IQ testing. Tim has had three IQ tests in his life and each one was completely different from the other.

His first IQ test showed that his IQ was 110
His second IQ test (about 3 years later) showed his IQ was 94
His third IQ test (about 3 years after that) showed his IQ was 84

Some parents might think, “Oh No! His IQ is dropping!” But that really isn’t the case. When an IQ test is taken, lots of factors are involved in the outcome.

First, How is the child feeling that day? If they are not feeling well, are tired, or just not wanting to do the test, you will not get an accurate score.

Second, How does the child interact with strangers? If the child is shy or afraid of people they don’t know, they certainly will not do their very best!

Third, How is the tester feeling? We are all human, and if the tester is having a bad day, for whatever reason, the child is going to pick up on that, and perhaps the tester isn’t asking the questions the way they normally would.

Forth, and this is a BIG one! Where is the tester from? We live in the South. One of Tim’s earliest testers (not for IQ but for placement) back in 1st grade was from the North. In the US, every region uses different language. This tester asked questions like “Point to the picture of the Pop.” In the South, a “pop” is a loud noise, a “pop” is a slap on the face, a “pop” can even be your dad! But the one thing a “pop” isn’t is a soda or a coke! So, as you can see, especially for a young child, the tester needs to use language the child understands! After all, if you only speak Spanish, would your tester only speak English?

In Tim’s case, he is often the exception to the rule. Most individuals with MDS or Ds do not have this level of IQ. However, I have seen many people with MDS who do not need as much special resources in school as those with Ds.

With mosaic Down syndrome, individuals are on such a spectrum because each has a different percentage of affected cells and those cells can be located and affecting any part of the body. It is another one of those great “wait and see” moments!

Many are in awe about Tim and his high IQ levels. And, I can say that I am glad that he was able to be in regular education and did so well. However, Tim’s social skills are so lacking that I would definitely trade the IQ any day for social skills! (anyone interested in trading with me? lol)

This is a very touchy subject for me, but definitely one that needs to be addressed. So, tomorrow I will begin talking about Social Skills and all that surrounds that subject….

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