NEPSY-An adaptation of Luria's investigation for young children

Abstract

The tasks in Luria's investigation cover over 30 areas of performance, corresponding to the components of complex cognitive functions. An extended psychometric version of this examination, in Finnish, has been elaborated for 4-to 8-year-old children. This method, called NEPSY, includes 36 equalized, homogeneous, and reliable subtests. The individual results are summarized in test profiles that demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of the child's ability pattern. The test profile may also indicate the primary deficiencies underlying the overt disabilities. One illustrative case of language disorder is presented in which the primary deficiency was interpreted as being poor auditory-phonemic analysis of speech. The profile approach used in this method is also suitable for research aimed at identifying and explaining subgroups and types of language disorders, dyslexia, perceptual-motor disabilities, and other disturbances of complex functions.