Analysis of cognitive profiles in infant clinical population with neurodevelopmental disorders

Abstract

Considering their common affection in certain language dimensions, this study attempts to explore cognitive profiles associated with Specific Learning Disorders, Specific Language Impairment, Asperger Syndrome and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in two dimensions (Predominantly Inattentive and Combined). The sample consisted of a clinical population of 156 children between 6 and 15 years old (M=9.5, SD=2.18) who were applied WISC-IV. The four indexes from this scale (verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed) and the full-scale intelligence quotient were considered as dependent variables. Data analysis was focused on the assessment of intergroup and intragroup differences. Results prove a highly distinctive profile for Specific Language Impairment compared to the other disorders and a general pattern of strengths and weaknesses among them. Conclusions from this study contribute to the improvement of clinical practice as our data highlight significant differences between neurodevelopmental disorders which may drive to more individualised interventions.