Journal of Advances in Para-Sport Science
A peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to the advancement of sports sciences for individuals with diverse abilities

Practical Considerations in Administering the Wechsler Intelligence Scales to Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities: Clinical Experiences and Recommendations

Document Type : Letter and Correspondence

Author

SeyedehMaryam Komarati

Department of Psychology, University of Arak, Markazi, Iran

APSS/apss.2026.2085581.1020
Abstract
This article shares practical insights from administering the Wechsler Intelligence Scales to athletes with intellectual disabilities for Virtus eligibility classification. As a psychologist preparing athlete files for international competitions, I have conducted numerous assessments using the Wechsler tests—one of the most valid and widely used cognitive measures recognized by Virtus for determining eligibility based on the AAIDD and WHO criteria (IQ ≤ 75, adaptive behavior limitations, and onset before age 21).This paper highlights key observations from my experience: athletes generally perform better on nonverbal scales than verbal sub tests, with particular difficulties observed in Information, Arithmetic, Similarities, and Block Design. Challenges arise from abstract question comprehension, processing speed limitations, working memory deficits, and test-related fatigue.

Keywords

Wechsler Intelligence Scales
intellectual disability
athletes
Virtus
psychological assessment
eligibility classification
Subjects
Journal of Advances in Para-Sport Science
Volume 6, Issue 1 - Serial Number 14
This issue is now published.
February 2026
Pages 80-84

  • Receive Date 15 October 2025
  • Accept Date 18 February 2026
  • First Publish Date 18 February 2026
  • Publish Date 21 February 2026