WISC - Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children

Lexicon [Measures] - WISC

WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) is an IQ test used in children (age 6-16 yrs 11 mo) and takes approximately 60-85 minutes. It was developed by David Wechsler (5th Ed 2014).

Limitations wrt Autism
Autistic children may have specific challenges related to social communication, sensory sensitivities, and executive functioning, which can impact their performance on certain subtests. [Also see post on Why IQ Testing especially problematic in the Autistic Population]

WISC has 10 Subtests that fall under 5 index score categories

  1. Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI): 
    • Similarities: verbal reasoning and concept formation by assessing the ability to identify how two words or concepts are similar.
    • Vocab: language development and word knowledge by asking the child to define or explain the meaning of various words
    • Information: general knowledge and comprehension of factual information by asking questions about a wide range of topics.
  2. Visual Spatial Index (VSI)
    • Block Design: Assesses spatial perception, visual-motor integration, and problem-solving abilities through block imitation
  3. Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI): 
    • Matrix Reasoning: nonverbal reasoning & fluid intelligence by asking child to identify patterns and complete visual matrices. 
    • Picture Concepts 
    • Picture Concepts: analyze visual stimuli, recognize relationships, and form abstract concepts by asking the child to identify common features and group pictures based on concepts.

  4. Working Memory Index (WMI): 
    • Digit Span: attention and working memory through ability to repeat a series of digits forwards and backward.
    • Picture Span: working memory through recall of sequence of pictures in correct order
  5. Processing Speed Index (PSI)
    • Coding: measure visual-motor speed and attention by child copying symbols paired with numbers within a specified time limit
    • Symbol Search: visual scanning and processing speed by asking the child to identify target symbols within a specified time limit.
Scoring and Interpretation
Index scores are derived from specific combinations of subtests and provide an overall assessment of an child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses in those domains.

The Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) is the combination of the index scores. It represents overall intellectual functioning and is calculated based on the combined performance across all subtests.

Interpretation involves comparing an individual's performance to normative data (percentile ranks, confidence intervals, and descriptive categories), considering the person's age and the index and subtest scores obtained. 

Citation
Wechsler, D. (2014). Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V). San Antonio, TX: Pearson.

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