Value of Draw-A-Person test as a fast screening of intelligence in autistic children

Background : Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) may be difficult to evaluate with an intelligence quotient (IQ). It would be useful a fast tool to make a screening of cognitive development at first interview,
Objectives: We analyzed the correlation between Draw-A-Person test (DAP) and Wechsler Scales on the determination of IQ in a population of 50 children and adolescents with PDD,
Methods : we evaluated 50 patients between 3.11 and 13 years of age, determining IQ with Goodenough`s DAP test and Wechsler scales (WPPSI and WISC) . We established  the correlation between both tests and also Vineland ç and Visuomotor integration tests  to compare with adaptative and visuoconstructive quotients,
Results : we found out a significant correlation with a p<0.001 between IQ from Wechsler and DAP tests. There was no significant correlation with Vineland adaptative quotient nor visuomotor integration quotient,
Conclusions: DAP test let us predict the IQ from children with PDD. It may be used as a fast screening at the first consultation of patients with PDD.