IQ Testing for Autistic People

This article is an absolutely fascinating read:
The Puzzle of Hidden Ability

We have been debating the issue of appropriate schooling for all our kids, but especially our special guy, who will start school next year. We are aware he has strengths and weaknesses and I tabled the idea that we should pick a school strong in his weak areas to 'balance him out', figuring if we can give him a bit of extra support and work, his weak areas will improve.

The above article gives a different opinion (it's main thrust is that 'standard tests' are not always appropriate and don't always give meaningful answers). On the subject of strengths, and whether to focus on the weak areas in an autistic person's abilities, the article says:

Dawson, who is autistic, thinks that's a prescription for intellectual failure; autistics should be encouraged to build on their strengths, as everyone else is.

I have to say, put like that, I agree. My middle boy is gifted with language and imagination, so to choose an appropriate school for him I am inclined to select one strong in English and Arts, to match him. Yet, for my Autistic boy, my thinking was 'he's weak in social skills, so perhaps we should find a school strong in community and social aspects, such as a Steiner school'.

Frankly, it may already be too late to seek enrollment at a private school for next year. I am still inclined to chuck in the local State School and see how he fares. Likely, he'll suprise us all yet again.

Hmmm.... more contemplation required.