WISC-R SUBTEST PATTERNS IN CHILDREN WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Subtypes of WISC-R subtest patterns were explored statistically in a sample of 96 children with traumatic brain injury. Four subtypes were identified by cluster analysis. Differences in level of performance as well as differences in pattern of performance contributed to the clustering process. Level of performance was meaningfully related to both premorbid variables and to length of coma. Several subtest patterns were found that did not resemble any of the subtypes known to be prevalent in the WISC-R standardization sample, suggesting that these patterns may be clinically significant in children with traumatic brain injury. Support for the reliability and validity of the clusters, as well as clinical and research implications, are discussed.