The paper provides a theoretical framework for the inclusion of a verbal intelligence test as part of the psychodiagnostic assessment battery used with deaf children. Descriptions are provided for three selected sign language varieties being used in a study designed to examine performance of 30 deaf children (9-16 years old) on signed administrations of the verbal subtests of the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised (WISC-R). The three sign language varieties are illustrated by comparing selected verbal subtest items presented in signed English (sE), Pidgin Sign English-English (PSE-E), and Pidgin Sign English-American Sign Language (PSE-A). Preliminary results are reported, and the importance of cautious interpretation of verbal IQ scores for deaf children is stressed. It is suggested that the verbal scale of the WISC-R not be administered to deaf children under 9 years old. (Author/CL)