Leiter-3 Scale as Instrument for Assessment of Children with Emotional-Volitional Disorders

Abstract

Background: assistance to children with emotional and volitional disorders requires effective methods of psychological assessment. However, using standard diagnostic methods in this regard is often considered problematic. Successful application of a standard Leiter-3 test in the described sample provides a valuable insight into the prospects for standardized diagnostics in this area. Aim: to evaluate the possibilities of using the Leiter-3 battery for examining a group of children with severe emotional and volitional disorders. Patients and methods: the study involved preschoolers and adolescents with emotional and volitional disorders (41 people in total) attending group remedial classes at the Center of Curative Pedagogics (Moscow). A pilot study of non-verbal intelligence was carried out using the Leiter-3 test. Results: we have identified a number of problems that make it difficult to use the technique in this group. They are associated with certain traits of the children involved — difficulties in contact, interaction, communication (both verbal and non-verbal), acceptance of the examination situation, focusing on the task, etc. Many of these problems could be solved by slightly modifying the methodology and maintaining certain conditions during testing. Conclusions: the Leiter-3 method can be successfully used to assess the level of intellectual development of children with severe emotional and volitional disorders. However, in some cases it is advisable to apply an individual approach and modify the examination procedure taking into account the characteristics of the child. Further research is needed to verify results obtained that way.