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Intellectual Disability Assessment: Anomalous Picture Concepts Scores in WISC-IV
Pages 1-5
Michael G. King

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2013.01.01.1

Published: 30 September 2013

 


Abstract: Attention is drawn to a putative WISC anomaly, specific to the case of Intellectual Disability (ID) IQ assessment. With ID, at best the WISC-IV Picture Concepts (PCn) is not a consistent part of the underlying “ability” represented by Perceptual Reasoning Index (PRI) factor, while at worst the PCn score may be “wrong”. This worst case situation is marked by a “very high PCn score” in an otherwise low profile and this outcome awaits a better interpretation which would be meaningful to the target child with Intellectual Disability. The literature relating to PCn scores in cases of “intellectually different” cohorts shows conflicting published evidence that the sub-test may be either generally lower than the cohort average, or generally above that average, for example in cases of Autism. The present paper proposes that the broad explanation for the PCn anomaly is explained by deriving an answer to each item from a focus on single-feature solution rather than an integrative approach. Future research may clarify the frequency and the meaning of this issue, while the present paper raises a caution in the “standard” interpretation of intellectual disability IQ profiles.

Keywords: WISC-IV, Picture Concepts, Intellectual Disability, Criticism, Sub-test Anomaly, Cohort IQ profile, Perceptual Reasoning, Autism.
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A Validity and Reliability Study of a Chinese Assessment Tool for Persons with Moderate to Severe Intellectual Disabilities
Pages 6-14
Christopher L.F. Chan, Claudia Lai and Iris Chi

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2013.01.01.2

Published: 30 September 2013

 


Abstract: This study was designed to test the psychometric properties of the Chinese interRAI Intellectual Disability (ID) tool in a Chinese population with learning disabilities in Hong Kong. The Chinese interRAI ID was prepared based on the original interRAI ID which is a standardized, comprehensive instrument and is designed to evaluate the strengths, preferences, and needs of persons with all levels of ID living in various care settings. A sample of 100 people with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities was assessed with the Chinese interRAI ID and its criterion measures. The subscales of the interRAI ID, including the Cognitive Performance Scale, Depression Rating Scale, Aggressive Behavior Scale, Activities of Daily Living Hierarchy Scale, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Involvement Scale, had high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .66 to .87) and test–retest reliability (r = .96 to .99; κ = .68 to .81). Comparison of the interRAI ID scales with criterion measures supported concurrent and discriminant validity of these scales. The study results provide preliminary support for the Chinese interRAI ID as a reliable and valid tool for assessing Chinese individuals with learning disabilities in Hong Kong.

Keywords: InterRAI Intellectual Disability, validation, reliability, validity, Chinese.
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Functional and Psychosocial Characteristics of Elderly in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Pages 15-21
Šarić Edina, Mehmedinović Senad, Bratovčić Vesna and Ahmetović Sadik

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2013.01.01.3

Published: 30 September 2013

 


Abstract: The aim of the research was to identify psychosocial factors and functional characteristics of the elderly. The survey covered a stratified sample of 60 patients with advanced age, both sexes, living in a family environment. In order to assess functional and psychosocial characteristics of older persons were used: Barthel index test, self-assessment scale for depression, self-esteem Rosenberg scale, PD Questionnaire / Form A scale for assessing the degree of social support, as well as Structured questionnaire of personal data which we collected data on gender, age, marital status, number of children, diagnosis, and self-economic situation. Data analysis was performed using parametric and nonparametric statistics. To determine the latent space of applied variables factor analysis was used. Based on the results of the study there are four (4) factors: Factor of somatopsychic dimensions of existential anxiety, Factorof socioeconomicstatus, Factor of social status and Health status factor.

Keywords: Elderly, functional and psychosocial characteristics.
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Verbal Memory and IQ Predict Adaptive Behavior in Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders
Pages 22-27
O. Puig, R. Calvo, M. Rosa, E. de la Serna, S. Lera-Miguel, V. Sánchez-Gistau and J. Castro-Fornieles

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2013.01.01.4

Published: 30 September 2013

Open Access 


Abstract: Adaptive deficits are commonly found in high functioning autism spectrum disorders (HF-ASD) despite of cognitive potential. Most studies have focused on the relationships between adaptive behavior and intellectual quotient (IQ) and have used correlations to study relationships between them. Few studies have analyzed cognitive variables other than IQ as potential predictors of adaptive behavior in HF-ASD using regression methods. This study aimed to analyze the impact of several cognitive variables on adaptive behavior in a sample of children and adolescents with HF-ASD. METHODS: Sample included 16 child and adolescent boys with HF-ASD (age between 7-17 years). Cognitive assessment included measures of general intelligence, visual memory, verbal memory, working memory and problem solving/flexibility tests. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) was used to evaluate adaptive behavior. To establish the predictive capacity of the cognitive variables for adaptive functioning, linear regression models were fitted for each adaptive domain using a stepwise method. RESULTS: Verbal memory and IQ emerged as the main independent predictors for VABS adaptive scores. The 41% of the variance in Communication was predicted by IQ. The 35% of the variance in Daily Living Skills was predicted by verbal memory. Almost half of the variance in Socialization was predicted by both, verbal memory and IQ (49%). No other cognitive functions were associated with adaptive scores. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the strong impact of IQ and verbal memory on adaptive behavior in HF-ASD patients. These findings could contribute to identify potential targets of intervention.

Keywords: High-functioning autism spectrum disorders, adaptive behavior, cognition, verbal memory, IQ.
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