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Cognitive Profile in Autism and ADHD: A Meta-Analysis of Performance on the WAIS-IV and WISC-V

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Alexander Wilson

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).

Abstract

© 2023 The Author(s).Objective: Previous research has suggested that neurodevelopmental conditions may be associated with distinctive cognitive profiles on the Wechsler intelligence tests (of which the most recent editions are the WAIS-IV and WISC-V). However, the extent to which a cognitive profile can be reliably identified for individuals meeting criteria for autism or ADHD remains unclear. The present review investigated this issue. Method: A search was conducted in PsycInfo, Embase, and Medline in October 2022 for papers reporting the performance of children or adults diagnosed with autism or ADHD on the WAIS-IV or the WISC-V. Test scores were aggregated using meta-Analysis. Results: Scores were analyzed from over 1,800 neurodivergent people reported across 18 data sources. Autistic children and adults performed in the typical range for verbal and nonverbal reasoning, but scored ~1 SD below the mean for processing speed and had slightly reduced scores on working memory. This provides evidence for a "spiky"cognitive profile in autism. Performance of children and adults with ADHD was mostly at age-expected levels, with slightly reduced scores for working memory. Conclusion: Although the pattern of performance on the Wechsler tests is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to use for diagnostic purposes, autism appears to be associated with a cognitive profile of relative strengths in verbal and nonverbal reasoning and a weakness in processing speed. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder appears less associated with a particular cognitive profile. Autistic individuals may especially benefit from a cognitive assessment to identify and support with their strengths and difficulties.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Wilson AC

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology

Year: 2024

Volume: 39

Issue: 4

Pages: 498-515

Print publication date: 01/06/2024

Online publication date: 29/09/2023

Acceptance date: 25/08/2023

Date deposited: 03/06/2024

ISSN (print): 0887-6177

ISSN (electronic): 1873-5843

Publisher: Oxford University Press

URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/arclin/acad073

DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad073

PubMed id: 37779387

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