Although experts agree that various types of learning disabilities do exist, few attempts have been made to classify learning disabled children into subtypes. The editors of this collection feel that the lack of subcategorization has frustrated previous research efforts to obtain a generalizable body of knowledge in the field. To meet this critical need for definitive information, this book presents basic reviews and theoretical approaches used to subtype learning disabled children -- ranging from a behavior genetics approach to a dimensional approach. It also demonstrates actual research methods utilizing theoretical approaches.
Building upon earlier attempts to create a scientific basis for subtypes of learning disabili~ties, this volume continues to examine the extent to which various subtyping schemes are valid. Like its predecessor, Neuropsychology of Learning Disabilities: Essentials of Subtype Analysis, it seeks to define such subtypes within an explicitly neuropsychol~ogical framework. Following an insightful over~view of the dimensions and clinical applications of validity to learning disability subtypes, it reports on a wide-ranging series of investigations designed to designate the content, concurrent, predictive, construct, and clinical validity of various subtyping efforts.
The publication of this very important volume comes at a timely juncture in the history of learning disabilities. The focus of this volume is on developing a multidisciplinary understanding of the complexities of the research on learning disabilities and its various sUbtypes. It also will serve as an important compendium of the subtyping literature, particularly with respect to pertinent issues of nosology, specific sUbtyping models, neuro psychological diagnosis, and treatment. As the authors so correctly suggest, the differential diagnosis of learning disabilities subtypes is a critical first step in developing theoretically sound programs of psychoeducational intervention. Clearly, one must have some idea about the general abilities of a child before realistic expectations can be charted. Also, how can one plan a program of intervention without some knowledge of the deficient components of achievement within a do main? Does it not make both conceptual and practical sense to identify an individual's relative strengths and weaknesses so that abilities or strengths can be utilized to optimize functioning in areas of deficit? Although these all sound like reasonable precursors to assisting individuals in need of academic assistance, there are those who would argue otherwise. Impor tantly, however, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, in a recent report to Congress, advocates exactly what this volume proposes. Indeed, there are important needs to be addressed, and the literature reviewed herein strongly supports the conclusions drawn by these authors.
Children living in poverty are more likely to have mental health problems, and their conditions are more likely to be severe. Of the approximately 1.3 million children who were recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits in 2013, about 50% were disabled primarily due to a mental disorder. An increase in the number of children who are recipients of SSI benefits due to mental disorders has been observed through several decades of the program beginning in 1985 and continuing through 2010. Nevertheless, less than 1% of children in the United States are recipients of SSI disability benefits for a mental disorder. At the request of the Social Security Administration, Mental Disorders and Disability Among Low-Income Children compares national trends in the number of children with mental disorders with the trends in the number of children receiving benefits from the SSI program, and describes the possible factors that may contribute to any differences between the two groups. This report provides an overview of the current status of the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and the levels of impairment in the U.S. population under age 18. The report focuses on 6 mental disorders, chosen due to their prevalence and the severity of disability attributed to those disorders within the SSI disability program: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, and mood disorders. While this report is not a comprehensive discussion of these disorders, Mental Disorders and Disability Among Low-Income Children provides the best currently available information regarding demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and expectations for the disorder time course - both the natural course and under treatment.
The ABCs of Learning Disabilities, Second Edition, discusses major research findings on learning disabilities in children, adolescents and adults in language, memory, social skills, self-regulation, reading, mathematics, and writing, with an additional chapter on assessment. This concise primer is intended for use as an undergraduate introductory text to the field. Written with an evenness of tone, breadth, and depth, the conveys an engaging style meant to encourage the beginning student to identify the "big picture and to be interested in conceptual issues as well as research findings. - Undergraduate level text - 90% new material - Concise introduction to field - Covers current concepts like removing the IQ-performance discrepancy formula in diagnosing learning disabilities - New chapter on self-regulation and learning disabilities - Whole school approach to social skills intervention
This book covers research on biopsychological aspects of dyslexia reflects on psycholinguistic aspects of dyslexia offers reflections on dyslexia treatment research in general. It points out that in some dyslexics it is not sufficient to treat word identification difficulties alone.
NONVERBAL LEARNING DISABILITIES systematically identifies, describes, and explains the elements and dynamics of the nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) syndrome--including its neuropsychological, academic, and socioemotional/adaptational aspects. In addition, this groundbreaking work explores the ramifications of the NLD syndrome for both the theoretical and applied aspects of the neuropsychology of learning disabilities in particular and for the field of child-clinical neuropsychology in general.
It is important to reaffirm the reality of the learning disabilities (LD) phenomenon as a condition that imposes genuine constraints on a student's ability to function, and not as some chimerical entity defined by an ever-changing political situation. Perceptual, memory, attention, linguistic, social, cognitive and neuropsychological factors are an integral part of LD. By mapping out in great detail and with much new data the acquired knowledge on learning disabilities, both empirical and theoretical, this book unravels many mysteries. This book is a landmark in learning disabilities studies, and it lays down solid foundations for future research and practical intervention in the field.
This volume has been developed as a direct result of a conference sponsored by the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities, held at the University of California at Los Angeles. The text provides a review and critique of current research in the areas of intelligence, social cognition, achievement, and subtyping as they relate to learning disabilities. In addition, the concept that social behavior is an aspect of intelligence and the relationship between language and reading are discussed in detail by noted experts.
The executive committee of the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities planned this volume on the occasion of its 25th anniversary to honor the founder of the Academy, William M. Cruickshank.
