A comparison of WISC-IV and WISC-V verbal comprehension index scores for children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore changes in verbal comprehension subtest and index scores from Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition (WISC)-IV to WISC-V for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as the test revision dropped the subtest that has proven to be most challenging for those with ASD (i.e. Comprehension).

Methods: In all, 48 children with ASD who had been assessed with WISC-IV and re-evaluated with WISC-V were included in this study. Paired samples t-tests were used to examine changes in scores between administrations.

Results: Results indicated that changes in subtest scores were minimal although a statistically significant index score change occurred.

Discussion: These data suggest that administering additional measures of verbal intellect to individuals with ASD (i.e. beyond the two core verbal comprehension subtests of WISC-V) is critical for capturing the totality of their strengths and weaknesses, to effectively inform treatment planning.

Keywords:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• verbal intellect
• cognitive profile
• assessment