The brain is a Giant Prediction Machine

Poem follows Prof Mark Wallace's comment in class "The Brain is a giant prediction machine" after a discussion on the growing popularity of Bayesian Statistical Models in research. 

The brain is a giant prediction machine

Bayesian model-like, it constantly schemes

Past experiences and memories in its grasp

Current sensory input, processed in a flash.

 

A bundle of irrational worry

I am a bundle of irrational worry
Each day i wake up with dread and hurry
Fears and doubts consume, a constant flurry
Hope still flickers in internal jury

STAT: Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children

The Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT) is a play-based screening measure designed to identify early signs of autism  in toddlers and young children. It t assesses social communication and play behaviors associated with ASD in children between 24 and 36 months of age.

Limitations

The STAT is a screening tool and not a diagnostic instrument. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional is necessary for a definitive autism diagnosis.

Scoring and Interpretation
The STAT includes a series of play-based activities and social interactions between the child and the examiner. The examiner observes and scores the child's behaviors in different domains, such as joint attention, pretend play, and social responsiveness.

The STAT scoring involves rating specific behaviors observed during the play-based interactions. The scoring criteria may vary depending on the specific version or adaptation of the STAT being used. There are established cutoff scores that help identify children who may be at risk for ASD and require further evaluation by a qualified professional.

History and Revisions:
The STAT was developed by Wendy Stone, Barry L. Prizant, and Samuel P. Openden in 2008. 

Citation:
Stone, W. L., Prizant, B. M., & Openden, S. (2008). The Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228625486_STAT_Screening_Tool_for_Autism_in_Toddlers_and_Young_Children

See posts on Screening/Diagnostic Measures

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.