Exploratory and Descriptive Comparison Using the WAIS-IV and LSC-SUA of the Cognitive Profile of Italian University Students with Reading Comprehension Disorder (RCD) vs. Decoding Difficulties—Dyslexia

Abstract

Background: The “Guidelines for the Management of Specific Learning Disorders” provide clear diagnostic and evaluative guidance on Reading Comprehension Disorder (RCD), as suggested by the DSM-5. The present study investigated the relationship between cognitive abilities in university students with RCD compared to students with Decoding Difficulties—i.e., dyslexia (DD)—and examined possible diagnostic procedures for RCD in young adults. Methods: Twenty university students from the University of Salerno “Disabilities/SLD Help Desk” participated. The sample was divided into the RCD Group (10) and DD Group (10). They were administered (a) the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) to assess their cognitive profile; and (b) the LSC-SUA-Reading tests for the assessment of text comprehension, writing, and calculation skills. Results: With regard to their cognitive profile, the DD Group had a lower mean of FSIQ (91.90 ± 5.82 vs. 92.50 ± 2.41). The RCD Group showed higher means in the subscales of CPI (94.80 ± 5.77), WMI (91.80 ± 78.80), and PSI (101.20 ± 6.20). Text comprehension assessment showed high averages in the DD Group (Track A = 11.50 ± 1.08; Track B = 11.40 ± 0.95). Conclusions: A valid psychodiagnostic model to examine reading comprehension skills for adults must assess the interaction between higher-level linguistic and cognitive processes in order to best define the pathways of skill enhancement.