Correlation between Intelligence Quotient and the Level of Improvement of Autistic Children

Background and Aims: Autism in children is known to affect brain systems implicated in cognitive, communication, social functioning and intelligence. Although autism is a neurobiological disorder, behavioral interventions are currently the primary treatments for individuals with autism. The objective of the present study was to identify the correlation between intelligent quotient and the level of improvement of autistic children. Materials and Methods: A descriptive design was carried out in the rehabilitation clinic for children with autism at psychiatric research unit-Mosul Medical College / University of Mosul. Data were collected by using Childhood Autism Rating scale (CARS) and I.Q was measured by Stanford-Binet scale in order to achieve the objectives of the present study. A pre-test was carried out on children with autism who participated in the rehabilitation program. The childhood autism rating scale was used for this purpose. After five months, post-test was administered for autistic children to identify the effects of caregivers' techniques and interventions on the children with autism disorders. The subjects of the study were consisted of the 30 children who were received interventions at the rehabilitation clinic for autistic children. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Results: The study revealed that most autistic children who participated in the study had learning disabilities and low moderate intelligence quotient, they accounted 33.3% and 27.7%, respectively. The study confirmed that the children’s I.Q had highly significant difference regarding improvement. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was significant difference in intelligence quotient between pre and post intervention levels of autism (improvement). Keywords: Autism, Intelligence Quotient, Interventions, Improvement.