Validation of a Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment (NEPSY) through comparison of neurological, scholastic concerns, and control groups

Validity of the standard, 13 subtest A Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment (NEPSY) was investigated by comparing scores for 30 children with neurological conditions, 35 children with scholastic concerns, and 39 controls. Overall differences were found among the groups with and without controlling for IQ (Λ=.60, P<.001; Λ=.70, P<.001). Four of five NEPSY domain scores differed among the three groups. Language and Sensorimotor domain score differences were found even when IQ was controlled, and group status accounted for substantial variance in these domain scores. Regarding specific tasks, Phonological Processing and Fingertip Tapping were among the subtests that varied the most between groups, especially when children with scholastic concerns were compared with controls. Findings offer preliminary support for the validity of several NEPSY indexes.