Authors
Siegel DJ, Minshew NJ, Goldstein G.
Institution
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania, USA.
Title
Wechsler IQ profiles in diagnosis of high-functioning autism.
Source
J Autism Dev Disord 1996 Aug;26(4):389-406
Abstract
A Wechsler Intelligence Scale profile characterized by VIQ < PIQ with
lowest subtest score on Comprehension and highest on Block Design has been
associated with autism. Recently, this profile has been applied to assess
the accuracy of diagnosis in research samples and for differentiating autism
from similar disorders in high-functioning individuals. Universality of
this profile, however, has not been sufficiently demonstrated. We therefore
examined WISC-R and WAIS-R profile characteristics in 81 rigorously diagnosed
high-functioning (VIQ and FSIQ > 70) children (n = 45) and adults (n
= 36) with autism. Analysis of the profiles in these groups did not reveal
the presumed typical VIQ < PIQ pattern. The typical subtest pattern was
found, but the magnitude of profile variability was small. We concluded
that individuals with autism can demonstrate a wide range of ability levels
and patterns on the Wechsler scales, without a single characteristic prototype.
Use of IQ score profiles in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of
autism in high-functioning individuals is not considered valid.