Exploring the Prevalence of Learning Disabilities in a Community Sample of Children Using the Greek Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children (Wisc-V GR)

Bibliographic Data

ID15511141
AuthorsS Lioliou (0000-0001-8719-9048, Hellenic Mediterranean University, corresponding author), Nektaria Pedioti (0000-0001-8417-3934, Hellenic Mediterranean University), Kyriaki Vagionaki (Hellenic Mediterranean University), Vasiliki Kounali (Hellenic Mediterranean University), Nikolaos Bitsakos (0000-0003-4481-2222, Hellenic Mediterranean University), Sofia Pitsikaki (Hellenic Mediterranean University), Maria Papadakaki (0000-0001-6445-9986, Hellenic Mediterranean University)
Year2025
Volume22
Issue3
Pages377-377
Publication date2025-03-05
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph22030377
PMID40238428
OpenAlexW4408220503
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited45

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of learning disabilities (LDs) and the emotional-behavioral difficulties in 208 children from the Crete region in Greece, and who voluntarily presented themselves for study and were evaluated by a university-based interdisciplinary team of mental health professionals. The Greek version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V GR) was used, with its five Primary Index scores and full-scale IQ (Verbal Comprehension Index, VCI; Visual Spatial Index, VSI; Fluid Reasoning Index, FRI; Working Memory Index, WMI; and Processing Speed, PCI ). Five diagnostic categories were established for the purpose of analysis: (a) no LDs (TD group), (b) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), (c) Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs), (d) Extremely Low FSIQ (below 79), and (e) Emotional/Behavioral difficulties. The results revealed a 25.5% prevalence of SLDs, 18.75% ADHD, 8.65% Extremely Low FSIQ, and 5.29% emotional/behavioral problems, suggesting that 58% of the study population struggled with some kind of learning difficulty. Statistically significant differences were observed between the "Extremely Low FSIQ" group, the "SLD", the "ADHD", and the "TD" diagnostic groups in terms of the "VCI", "FRI", and the "FSIQ" scales ( p p p < 0.001). The analysis indicated that the children with severe learning difficulties differed from the other groups in terms of their cognitive profiles and that they needed tailor-made educational programs and interventions in a typical classroom. This study offers comparative data from a community sample of children, as well as generated initial evidence from non-clinical settings on the usability and the diagnostic accuracy of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V). Further research is suggested. The present study was funded by the Crete Region (MIS 5162111)

Developmental psychology · Geography · Intelligence quotient · Learning disability · Psychiatry · Sample (material · Scale (ratio · Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale · Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children · Clinical Psychology · Early Childhood Education and Development · Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders · Medicine · Psychology · Reading and Literacy Development · Gerontology

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