Cognitive and Achievement Status of Children with Myelomeningocele

Abstract

Intelligence and achievement test data from 60 children with uncomplicated myelomeningocele were examined to determine their deviation from test norms. The impact of functional motor level and shunting was also assessed. Although the sample as a whole functioned below WJSC and WRAT norms, the degree of deviation varied with functional motor level. This mediating influence of motor level was not seen in children with shunts, and this particular group also had a significantly lower Performance than Verbal IQ. Verbal IQ was also significantly greater than Performance IQ for children with L2 and L3-5 functional motor levels. An idiographic approach to educational and vocational planning is indicated by these results.