WECHSLER INTELLIGENCE SCALE FOR CHILDREN AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR SPECIFIC LEARNING DISORDERS

Abstract

Specific learning disorders (SLD) appear in early stages of development and they are manifested before school attendance. SLD cause problems in school or social spheres. In this study, we explore cognitive profiles in children with SLD, that we receive from Wechsler intelligence scale. The aim of the study is to examine predictive value of Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC III) and anamnestic data in specific learning disorders. A research sample consists of slovak children with diagnosed specific learning disorders aged 8-15 years. Children were screened using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. We focused on the analysis of the results achieved in the intelligence test. The results highlighted the significant predictors of SLD. Measuring intelligence (especially by WISC III) in children with SLD in school enviroment and examining the underlying cognitive profile, might be useful in finding out the strenghts and weakness in this population. The aim of our paper was to analyze the cognitive profiles of children with SLD using the WISC III. By thoroughly comparing the WISC III subtests, we can get valuable information about the strengths and weaknesses of the child, which is an indispensable place to work with the child in the educational process. Children with SLD do not reach below average intellectual profiles, but in some subtests sensitive to spatial or abstract thinking, they can achieve lower results. We also looked at how individual subtests and anamnestic data predict an ADHD disorder in our file. The asset of this study is in educational process, that teacher can work with advantages and weakness of child with SLD. In the trend of positive psychology at school, the teacher should focus mainly on the development of the child's strenghts, especially in children with SLD.