An impairment index of brain functions in children, based on the 1979 Rules System by Selz and Reitan, was developed to summarize the performance on the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery for older children comparing groups of 25 normal, learning-disabled, and brain-damaged children aged 9 through 14 yr. Analysis of variance indicated a significant difference between all pairs of groups. A cut-off Impairment Index between .17 and .18 correctly differentiated 78% of the brain-damaged and control subjects. The findings suggested that the Impairment Index for Children may be a valid and objective indicator of brain functions in older children, although cross-validation is necessary.
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