This study compared the cognitive abilities of children with myelomeningocele born between 1975 and 1981 (and recipients of aggressive, sophisticated medical treatment) with those of children born two decades earlier. Verbal, performance, and full scale IQ scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) were collected on 20 children. The level of lesion for each subject was also identified from medical records. Analysis of findings indicated that the intellectual integrity of children receiving more aggressive medical treatment was not significantly different from that of children born earlier. Subjects achieved a mean verbal IQ of 82, a mean performance IQ of 74, and a mean full scale IQ of 76. Compared to the standardization sample, subjects scored within 1 to 2 standard deviations below the mean. Unlike earlier studies, the level of lesion did not appear to correlate significantly with intellectual functioning. Also, this population demonstrated great variance in functioning levels, suggesting the necessity of individualized profiles of strengths and deficits for appropriate educational programming. (Contains 17 references.) (DB)