Base Rates of Performance Validity Test Failure Among Children and Young Adult Litigants with Histories of Elevated Blood Lead Levels

This study examined the base rate of performance validity test failure in a forensic sample of 66 children and young adults reporting neuropsychological injury due to elevated blood lead levels. Results indicated that 62% of the sample failed at least one performance validity test (PVT). In requiring two or more PVT failures for classification of performance invalidity, prevalence rates approached 50% in adolescents and young adults. In younger children, failing more than one PVT was uncommon although the base rate of performance invalidity may be a function of the limited PVTs available for this age group. These findings add to the accumulating evidence that assessment of performance validity is a necessary component of pediatric neuropsychological evaluations. The importance of including performance validity assessment in neuropsychological research is discussed, particularly when the research guides public health policies.