Psychological evaluation

So today started our JK (abbreviated name of the facility) evaluation. Today was psychological.

After approximately 30 minutes of straight questions, "games", etc. I learned the following about Matteo (according to the therapist): he is on the superior side with respect to cognizance (being able to reason) - however OT-wise she had some concerns and therefore recommended having him evaluated for same. You see, Matteo can see three pictures (i.e. bird is to worm as horse is to [he needed to pick out the picture that was "hay"]). And he did this beyond average. However, when given a pencil - he REALLY did not hold it correctly, nor was his drawing very well. However when he had to memorize WHAT to draw, he did this very well. Gross motor skills she said were fine (though I knew this). But then I was thinking, the majority of Matteo's life I have not really encouraged pencil holding, rather I have encouraged "let's go for a walk" - let's ride a bike, let's play ball, - because I feel like in another few years/months HE WILL be in school learning to hold that pencil, learning to write those letters and all the fun, laid back stuff will be.....not so there (yes yes I know school is fun ... blah blah). So let me let him enjoy this simple part of his life and to be honest up until about a week ago, Matteo WAS not into coloring - NOW HE IS - which I attribute to totally school. NOW Matteo does want to play with sidewalk chalk and draw the stick figures, about a month ago, not so much.

So all in all his overall performance IQ was average. Now when I came home and called a Dear Friend, she astutely pointed out (thank you Sarah) - that Matteo JUST turned 4 - well heck I knew that I was at his birthday party - but oh wait, in all this I forgot! So should he know how to hold a pencil and write ..... well let's just say it's okay if he doesn't at the moment. But alas I kept the OT appointment for next Tuesday just to be reconfirmed that all is okay..... so be sure to check back :-)

I must admit watching Matteo in the room with the therapist today answering questions as quickly as they were thrown at him was quite interesting and did in fact bring a tear to my eye (honest), sometimes in the hustle & bustle of ordinary life, I do forget just how bright and yet so young he is.