Skip to main content
Log in

Estimation of the Intelligence Quotient Using Wechsler Intelligence Scales in Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Asperger syndrome (AS) patients show heterogeneous intelligence profiles and the validity of short forms for estimating intelligence has rarely been studied in this population. We analyzed the validity of Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WIS) short forms for estimating full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) and assessing intelligence profiles in 29 AS patients. Only the Information and Block Design dyad meets the study criteria. No statistically significant differences were found between dyad scores and FSIQ scores (t(28) = 1.757; p = 0.09). The dyad has a high correlation with FSIQ, good percentage of variance explained (R 2 = 0.591; p < 0.001), and high consistency with the FSIQ classification (χ 2(36) = 45.202; p = 0.14). Short forms with good predictive accuracy may not be accurate in clinical groups with atypical cognitive profiles such as AS patients.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Allen, D. N., Huegel, S. G., Gurklis, J. A., Jr., Kelley, M. E., Barry, E. J., & van Kammen, D. P. (1997). Utility of WAIS-R short forms in schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research, 26, 163–172.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: APA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennett, T., Szatmari, P., Bryson, S., Volden, J., Zwaigenbaum, L., Vaccarella, L., et al. (2008). Differentiating autism and Asperger syndrome on the basis of language delay or impairment. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 616–625.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blyler, C., Gold, J., Iannone, V., & Buchanan, R. (2000). Short form of the WAIS-III for use with patients with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research, 46, 209–215.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bowler, D., Mathews, N., & Gardiner, J. (1997). Asperger’s syndrome and memory: Similarity to autism but not amnesia. Neuropsychologia, 35, 65–70.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brooks, B., & Weaver, L. (2005). Concurrent validity of WAIS-III short forms in a geriatric sample with suspected dementia: Verbal, performance and full scale IQ scores. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 20, 1043–1051.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Donders, J. (1992). Validity of two short forms of the WISC-R in children with traumatic brain injury. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 48, 364–370.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Donnell, A. J., Pliskin, N., Holdnack, J., Axelrod, B., & Randolph, C. (2007). Rapidly-administered short forms of the Wechsler adult intelligence scale-3rd edition. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 22, 917–924.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ehlers, S., Nydén, A., Gillberg, C., Sandberg, A., Dahlgren, S., Hjelmquist, E., et al. (1997). Asperger syndrome, autism and attention deficit disorders: A comparative study of cognitive profiles of 120 children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 38, 207–217.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finch, A. J., Kendall, P., Spirito, A., Entin, A., Montegomery, L., & Schwartz, D. (1979). Short form and factor-analytic studies of the WISC-R with behavior problem children. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 7, 337–344.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ghaziuddin, M., & Mountain-Kimchi, K. (2004). Defining the intellectual profile of Asperger syndrome: Comparison with high-functioning autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34, 279–284.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gillberg, C. (1995). The prevalence of autism and autism spectrum disorder. In F. C. Verhulst & H. M. Koot (Eds.), The epidemiology of child and adolescent psychopathology (pp. 227–257). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gillberg, C. (1998). Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. Review. British Journal of Psychiatry, 172, 200–209.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gillberg, I. C., & Gillberg, C. (1989). Asperger syndrome—Some epidemiological considerations: A research note. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 30, 631–638.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haynes, J. (1982). Validity of a WISC-R short form with male delinquents. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 38, 406–408.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haynes, J. P. (1983). Comparative validity of three Wechsler short forms for delinquents. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 39, 275–278.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hollingshead, A. B., & Redlich, F. C. (1958). Social class and mental illness. New York: Wiley.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, J., Yule, W., Urbanowicz, M. A., & Lansdown, R. (1989). Cross-validation of short forms of the WISC-R in two British samples. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 59, 366–371.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaufman, A., Ishikuma, T., & Kaufman-Packer, J. (1991). Amazingly short forms of the WAIS-R. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 9, 4–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klin, A., Volkmar, F. R., Sparrow, S. S., Cicchetti, D. V., & Rourke, B. P. (1995). Validity and neuropsychological characterization of Asperger syndrome: Convergence with nonverbal learning disabilities syndrome. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 36, 1127–1140.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lange, R., & Iverson, G. (2008). Concurrent validity of Wechsler adult intelligence scales-third edition index score short forms in the Canadian standardization sample. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 68, 139–153.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leckliter, I. N., & Matarazzo, J. D. (1989). The influence of age, education, IQ, gender, and alcohol abuse on Halstead–Reitan neuropsychological test battery performance. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45, 484–512.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lord, C., Rutter, M., Goode, S., Heemsbergen, J., Jordan, H., Mawhood, L., et al. (1989). Autism diagnostic observation schedule: A standardized observation of communicative and social behavior. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 19, 185–212.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Minshew, N. J., Goldstein, G., Muenz, L. R., & Payton, J. B. (1992). Neuropsychological functioning in nonmentally retarded autistic individuals. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 14, 749–761.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Minshew, N., Turner, C. A., & Goldstein, G. (2005). The application of short forms of the Wechsler intelligence scales in adults and children with high functioning autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 35(1), 45–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Missar, C. D., Gold, J. M., & Goldberg, T. E. (1994). WAIS-R short forms in chronic schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research, 12, 247–250.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ozonoff, S., Rogers, S. J., & Pennington, B. F. (1991). Asperger’s syndrome: Evidence of an empirical distinction from high-functioning autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 32, 1107–1122.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reitan, R. M. (1985). Relationships between measures of brain functions and general intelligence. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 41, 245–253.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Renner, P., Klinger, L., & Klinger, M. (2000). Implicit and explicit memory in autism: Is autism an amnesic disorder? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30, 3–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Resnick, R. J., & Entin, A. D. (1971). Is an abbreviated form of the WISC valid for Afro-American children? Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 36(1), 97–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, C., Wilson, V., & Clark, P. (1983). A four-subtest short form of the WAIS-R for clinical screening. Clinical Neuropsychology, 5, 111–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rourke, B. (1989). Nonverbal learning disabilities: The syndrome and the model. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rourke, B. T., & Tsatsanis, K. D. (2000). Nonverbal learning disabilities and Asperger syndrome. In A. Klin, F. R. Volkmar, & S. Sparrow (Eds.), Asperger syndrome. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Russel, J. (1997). Autism as an executive disorder. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, J., López, S., & Werth, T. (1998). Administration time estimates for WAIS-III subtests, scales, and short forms in a clinical sample. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 16, 315–323.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Satler, J. (2001). Assessment of children cognitive applications (4th ed.). San Diego State University: Publisher Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seisdedos, N., Corral, S., Cordero, A., de la Cruz, M. V., Hernández, M. V., & Pereña, J. (1999). Normas de interpretación. In S. A. TEA Ediciones (Ed.), WAIS-III Escala de Inteligencia de Wechsler para adultos-III. Madrid, Spain: Manual Técnico.

  • Shoop, L., Columbia, M., Herrman, T., Johnstone, B., Callahan, C., & Roudebush, I. (2001). Two abbreviated versions of Wechsler adult intelligence scale-III: Validation among person with traumatic brain injury. Rehabilitation Psychology, 46(3), 279–287.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Siegel, D., Minshew, N., & Goldstein, G. (1996). Weschler IQ profiles in diagnosis of high-functioning autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 26, 389–406.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Silverstein, A. (1982). Two- and four-subtest short forms of the Wechsler adult intelligence scale-revised. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 50, 415–418.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Silverstein, A. B. (1990). Short forms of individual intelligence test. Psychological Assessment, 2, 3–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spek, A. A., Scholte, E. M., & van Berckelaer-Onnes, I. A. (2008). Brief report: The use of WAIS-III in adults with HFA and Asperger syndrome. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 782–787.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Spreend, O., & Strauss, E. (1998). Wechsler intelligence test. In a compendium of neuropsychological test: Administration, norms, and commentary. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szatmari, P. (2000). The classification of autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry/La Revue canadienne de psychiatrie, 45, 731–738.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szatmari, P., Tuff, L., Allen, M., Finlayson, J., & Bartolucci, G. (1990). Asperger’s syndrome and autism: Neurocognitive aspects. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry, 29, 130–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taub, G. E. (2001). A confirmatory analysis of the Wechsler adult intelligence scale-third edition: Is the verbal/performal discrepancy justified? Practical Assessment, Research and Evaluation, 7(22). Retrieved September 10, 2010, from http://www.PAREonline.net/getvn.asp?v=7&n=22.

  • Ulloa, R. E., Ortiz, S., Higuera, F., Nogales, I., Fresan, A., Apiquian, R., et al. (2006). Interrater reliability of the Spanish version of schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school-age children-present and lifetime version (K-Sads-Pl). Actas Españolas de Psiquiatría, 34, 36–40.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ward, L. C. (1990). Prediction of verbal, performance and full scale IQs from seven subtests of the WAIS-R. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 46, 436–440.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wechsler, D. (1997). In TEA Ediciones (Ed.), WAIS-III Wechsler adult intelligence scale-third edition. Technical manual. San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation.

  • Weschler, D. (1974). WISC-R, Weschler intelligence scale for children-revised, New York.

  • Weschler, D. (1997). WAIS-III, Weschler adult intelligence scale-third edition. Administration and scoring manual, San Antonio, TX.

  • Wing, L. (1993). The definition and prevalence of autism: A review. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2, 61–74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Supported in part by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERSAM, and grants: PI04/0457 and “Estudio longitudinal del estado oxidativo de dos trastornos del neurodesarrollo temprano: esquizofrenia y síndrome de Asperger” (Fundación Alicia Koplowitz).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jessica Merchán-Naranjo.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Merchán-Naranjo, J., Mayoral, M., Rapado-Castro, M. et al. Estimation of the Intelligence Quotient Using Wechsler Intelligence Scales in Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 42, 116–122 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1219-8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1219-8

Keywords

Navigation