Can the WPPSI be of Aid in Identifying Young Children at Risk for Reading Disability

Abstract

WPPSI and screening test scores of 72 children, who appeared at risk for learning disability at age 5, were examined 3 years later, on average. At follow-up there were 32 poor and 40 good readers. Both groups had average intelligence at age 5, and had received similar special help. Poor readers were superior in WPPSI Conceptual and Acquired Knowledge factors, and Verbal IQ. Good readers were superior only on five screening tests. Profiles were Conceptual>Spatial>Sequential for poor readers, and Spatial>Sequential>Conceptual for good readers. As abilities important in the acquisition of reading skills differ from those associated with later good reading, educators should not expect young high risk children to show the Spatial>Conceptual>Sequential profile, reported for older children with reading disability in WISC-R research. No boys who became poor readers showed this profile at age 5, although nearly half the small number of girls did.

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