Research Byte: Differential Effect of Features of Autism on IQs Reported Using Wechsler Scales

PT J
AU Carothers, DE
Taylor, RL
AF Carothers, Douglas E.
Taylor, Ronald L.
TI
SO FOCUS ON AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
AB Many children with autistic disorder, or autism, are described as having
low intelligence quotients. These descriptions are partially based on
use of various editions of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children
(WISC), the most widely used intelligence test for children with autism.
An important question is whether task demands of the Wechsler scales are
sensitive to unique characteristics of children with autism that might
affect test performance. Another question relates to how changes in the
newest edition of the WISC have affected its sensitivity for the
population of individuals with autism. The administration guidelines and
task demands of the third (WISC-III) and fourth (WISC-IV) editions were
examined to determine appropriateness when measuring intelligence of
children with autism. Implications related to use of these instruments
with children with autism are discussed.
PD MAR
PY 2013
VL 28
IS 1
BP 54
EP 59
ER