A Validated WISC-V Short-Form to Estimate Intellectual Functioning in Very Preterm Children at Early School Age

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Pediatric Psychology

Background:

• Very preterm children (born < 32 weeks gestation) often experience lifelong neurodevelopmental challenges, including inattention and executive dysfunction.
• Assessing cognitive abilities in this vulnerable population is complex and resource-intensive due to their unique developmental trajectory.
• Existing neuropsychological evaluations can be lengthy, posing a barrier to timely identification and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a brief, specific Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V) short-form for assessing intellectual functioning in very preterm children.
• To create a more efficient screening tool that maintains accuracy for this specific pediatric group.
• To facilitate early identification of cognitive deficits and support timely access to crucial services.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-four very preterm children (mean age 6.50 years) were administered the full WISC-V.
• Two strategies were employed to create short-forms: multiple linear regressions and correlational analyses between subtests and Full-Scale IQ.
• The validity of the developed short-forms was rigorously analyzed against established criteria.

Main Results:

• A specific four-subtest short-form (Vocabulary, Matrix Reasoning, Picture Span, and Symbol Search) was identified.
• This proposed short-form met two out of three predefined validation criteria, indicating good reliability and validity.
• The short-form demonstrated potential as an effective screening instrument for intellectual functioning.

Conclusions:

• A validated WISC-V short-form can significantly streamline the assessment process for very preterm children.
• This tool aids in the early detection of cognitive vulnerabilities, enabling prompt access to supportive care.
• Implementing this short-form can help overcome resource limitations and reduce the burden of lengthy evaluations for children and families.