5. Intelligence
§ “...the aggregate or global capacity of the individual to act purposefully, to
think rationally, and to deal effectively with his (or her) environment.”
(Wechsler, 1939)
§ “the ability to solve problems”
https://myfirstapp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Problem-solving.jpg
6. Intellectual Disability
• Deficits in intellectual functioning
• Deficits in adaptive functioning
• These limitations occur during the developmental period
(difference to Neurocognitive Disorder)
DSM-V criteria:
Difference to DSM IV: no longer different
codes according to IQ level!
7. Mental abilities
§ Reasoning
§ Problem solving
§ Planning
§ Abstract thinking
§ Judgement
§ Academic Learning (ability to learn in school)
§ Experiential Learning (ability to learn through experience, trial and
error, and observation)
Weiss, L. G., Holdnack, J. A., Saklofske, D. H., & Prifitera, A. (2019). Theoretical and Clinical Foundations of the
Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fifth Edition. In Wisc-V (pp. 97-128). https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-
0-12-815744-2.00004-5
13. Scores
§Results are expressed in different types of scales, depending on
the test being used:
§ Intelligence Quotient: Developmental age x 100/Chronological age
§ Standard Score (100, 120, 80)
§ Percentile Rank (50, 91, 9)
§ T-Score (50, 63, 37)
§ Z-Score (0, +1.33, -1.33)
§ Descriptions (average, high average, superior, very superior, low average,
inferior, borderline, impaired, mild, moderate, severe, profound)
19. Utility
• Ethical aspects
• What is the benefit the child and the family will gain from the results?
• What harm could be caused to a child and the family from the results?
• Recommendations
• Identify strengths that can be used (e.g., strong visual memory)
• Suggest accommodations (e.g., time, educational assistance, technology)
• Only order an assessment if there is a willingness to use the results
in a supportive way to child and family (Rights-based approach)