The Performance of Children With Traumatic Head Injury on the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning-Screening

Abstract

The factor structure of the Screening version of the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML-S; Sheslow & Adams, 1990) was evaluated in the standardization sample and in a sample of 100 children with traumatic head injury (THI). A two-factor model (including verbal and nonverbal dimensions) fit the standardization data relatively best, but a one-factor model was supported in the THI sample. In the latter sample, the WRAML-S Memory Screening Index (MSI) correlated just as strongly with length of coma as did Performance IQ. Presence of diffuse lesions or right cerebral focal lesions was associated with lower MSI scores. Children with severe THI had significantly lower MSI scores than did children with mild or moderate injuries. We conclude that MSI is an adequate screening measure of immediate recall after severe THI, but we suggest caution against exclusive reliance on this measure in clinical pediatric neuropsychological evaluations.