Clustering Analysis of Cognitive Profiles of Clinical Groups Using the CAS: An Examination of Japanese Clinical Populations

Abstract

This study examined the distribution characteristics of the standard scores on the Japanese version of the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS)’s Planning, Attention, Simultaneous Processing, and Successive Processing (PASS) scale by clustering the scores using the k-means method, focusing on clinical groups. In Study 1, 140 clinical cases evaluated using the CAS at University A’s educational counseling service were analyzed. The k-means clustering method was applied based on the full-scale standard scores, PASS scale scores, score discrepancies, and subtest scaled scores. Study 2 applied the same clustering method to a clinical group of 91 cases with ADHD, ASD, or comorbid ADHD–ASD, excluding those with intellectual developmental disorders or other disorders. In Study 1, a group with lower full-scale standard scores indicating general intellectual development was identified. Study 2 identified a cluster of cases with ADHD, ASD, or comorbid ADHD–ASD that showed distinct discrepancies among the four standard scores. In addition, there were no significant differences in the diagnoses across clusters. The Japanese version of the CAS provides valid cognitive profile insights in clinical settings, which can aid in planning support interventions beyond clinical diagnosis.