WECHSLER IQ PROFILES IN DIAGNOSIS OF HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISM

A Wechsler Intelligence Scale profile characterized by VIQ < PIQ with lowest subtest score on Comprehension and highest on Block Design has been associated with autism. Recently, this profile has been applied t o assess the accuracy of diagnosis in research samples and for differe ntiating autism from similar disorders in high-functioning individuals . Universality of this profile, however, has not been sufficiently dem onstrated We therefore examined WISC-R and WAIS-R profile characterist ics in 81 rigorously diagnosed high-functioning (VIQ and FSIQ > 70) ch ildren (n = 45) and adults (n = 36) with autism. Analysis of the profi les in these groups did nor reveal the presumed typical VIQ < PIQ patt ern. The typical subtest pattern was found, but the magnitude of profi le variability was small. We concluded that individuals with autism ca n demonstrate a wide range of ability levels and patterns on the Wechs ler scales, without a single characteristic prototype. Use of IQ score profiles in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of autism in hig h-functioning individuals is not considered valid.