Cognitive Assessment for the Youngest Children: A Critical Review of Tests

Abstract

Current norm-referenced cognitive measures (the Battelle Developmental Inventory, Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Second Edition, Cognitive Abilities Scale, Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised, Mullen Scales of Early Learning, and Stanford-Binet-Fourth Edition) were reviewed and evaluated in terms of their use with children from birth through 2 years of age. Also, relevant literature on issues critical to appropriate use of the tests is discussed. Careful evaluation of the strengths and problems of each test is critical to accurate diagnosis and evaluation of children's progress. To aid psychologists responsible for assessing the youngest children, variables relevant to test selection and interpretation are discussed.