Cognitive Profiling in Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Insights from WISC-IV

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by enduring patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, with considerable variability in cognitive and developmental outcomes across individuals1. This study compared the cognitive profiles of children with ADHD and typically developing children (TDC) using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fourth Edition (WISC-IV). Fifty-one children (26 with ADHD, 25 TDC; age range 7–13 years 11 months) were assessed on domains such as Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory and Processing Speed. Non-parametric Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted to examine differences in WISC-IV subtest scores and Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) between the groups. Demographic variables (sex, family type, and socio-economic status) were also examined. Children with ADHD showed significantly lower FSIQ (Mdn = 92.5) than TDC (Mdn = 103; U = 128.50, p < .001, r = .60). Pronounced deficits were evident in Working Memory subtests (Digit Span: r = .90; Letter-Number Sequencing: r = .99). Significant differences also emerged on Picture Concepts ( p = .03), Matrix Reasoning ( p = .002), and unexpectedly Symbol Search, on which the ADHD group scored higher (Mdn = 11.5 vs. 9, p = .002, r = .49). No significant differences were found for sex, family type, or socio-economic status on FSIQ. The findings reveal a distinct cognitive profile in Indian children with ADHD characterized by severe working-memory deficits and relative preservation of verbal comprehension, alongside novel observations on perceptual reasoning and processing-speed subtests. These domain-specific impairments have important implications for designing targeted, culturally responsive interventions.