A Neuropsychological Approach to the Bannatyne Recategorization of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales in Adults with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

An investigation was conducted of the diagnostic ability of the Bannatyne recategorization of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) into spatial, verbal-conceptual, and sequential components for adults with learning disabilities. A comparison among neuropsychological, intelligence, and achievement test data was made to evaluate the applicability of this recategorization. The Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB), the WAIS-R, and the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised (WRAT-R) were administered to 103 adult subjects with learning disabilities. The LNNB scales were cluster analyzed, and cluster membership was cross-tabulated against WAIS-R, WRAT-R, and demographic data. The major findings were that (a) the mean scores fit the Bannatyne pattern in two of the four clusters; and (b) the Bannatyne pattern was found in only about 20% of the total sample. It was concluded that identification of the Bannatyne pattern is of diagnostic utility, but its absence is inconclusive.

A Comparison of WAIS-R Profiles in Adults With High-Functioning Autism or Differing Subtypes of Learning Disability

“…Individuals with acquired academic deficits (e.g., acquired alexia) were excluded. This sample was utilized in several other studies (Goldstein, Katz, Slomka, & Kelly, 1993;Katz, Goldstein, Rudisin, & Bailey, 1993) where more detail concerning the establishment of the diagnoses is provided. To summarize, all participants met both DSM-III-R and State of Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation requirements for an LD diagnosis.…”

Psychological Resources of Adults With Developmental Dyslexia

“…The pattern suggested by Bannatyne, however, has not always been confirmed in other studies (Ferri et al, 1997). For instance, research conducted by Katz, Goldstein, Rudshin, and Bailey (1993) found it in only 20% of adult respondents with learning difficulties. Furthermore, the profile demonstrated by the university students with learning disabilities was generally comparable to that of their peers without such difficulties (Salvia & Gajar, 1988), or a different pattern was described.…”

WAIS-III index score profiles in the Canadian standardization sample

“…This is particularly evident using the revised and third edition Wechsler scales. Unfortunately, much of the literature that reports data regarding performance patterns in known clinical groups provides group mean data across various WAIS-R/III measures (e.g., Axelrod et al, 2001;Cordoni, O'Donnell, Ramaniah, Kurtz, & Rosenshein, 1981;Fisher et al, 2000;Fuld, 1984;Katz, Goldstein, Rudisin, & Bailey, 1993;Kender, Greenwood, & Conard, 1985;O'Mahony & Doherty, 1993). However, group mean data derived from a sample, no matter how clearly defined, fails to take into account the heterogeneity of the individuals within that group.…”