This study analyzed the performance of 30 children (ages 9-11) with central auditory processing disorders (CAPD), to test the validity of the Auditory Continuous Performance Test in differentiating between CAPD with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Results indicated limited potential of the test in the differential…

This article argues that the regression-based discrepancy method used in the diagnosis of learning disabilities is invalid because it is inconsistent with the underlying underachievement concept of which it is intended to be the operationalization. It is mathematically demonstrated that the regression-based discrepancy method largely reflects…

This article evaluates conclusions in Van den Broeck's article (2002) that argue the regression-based discrepancy method (RDM) used in learning disabilities diagnosis is invalid because it is inconsistent with the underlying underachievement concept of which it is intended to be the operationalization. It concludes acceptable models support the…

This article responds to a critique by Willson and Reynolds (2002) that argued for the use of the regression-based discrepancy method (RDM) for identifying learning disabilities. It argues the statistical and theoretical counterarguments are based on a misreading of the statistical models presented. (Contains 8 references.) (Author/CR)

Discusses the difficulty in validating central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) as a diagnostic label in school-aged children, and examines the extent to which reading, language, and attention disorders in school-aged children involve perceptual dysfunctions limited to a single sensory modality. Multimodal perceptual testing for diagnosis is…

This paper presents information on the diagnostic criteria and management of disorders that may be wrongly identified as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or may coexist with ADHD thus complicating identification and treatment. The disorders discussed are: depression, mania, primary disorder of vigilance, narcolepsy, developmental…

Current issues in reading diagnosis and remediation may be classified as political, diagnostic, and remedial. The main political issue in recent years has been the overlapping of the concepts of learning disability and reading disability and the consequent conflict of jurisdiction of reading specialists and learning disability specialists. This…

This study evaluated the procedures and results of the identification of children with Perceptual-Communicative Disorders (PCD) in Colorado. The process of identification includes referral, assessment, staffing and placement. The number of children identified as PCD by current procedures is large and growing. Variations in the prevalence of PCD…

Children who have learning disabilities which prevent achievement in skill subjects or behavioral difficulties which interfere with learning can be helped to learn to substitute more adaptive patterns for madadaptive ones. Because learning disabilities are only part of a disordered developmental process in a child, both clinical and competence…

Syntactic development in the oral language of learning disabled and normal students at two intermediate and two secondary-school age levels was compared using two indices, the T-unit and the Syntactic Density Score. It was concluded that no single, sensitive, numerical index exists to quantify syntactic development. (SW)

This paper proposes an approach to diagnosing learning disabilities that measures the intrinsic processing or capacity weaknesses that are presumed to underlie academic performance problems. This approach is contrasted with the "diagnosis by exclusion" method currently used. The paper discusses: (1) a definition of intrinsic processes with…

The Neurological Key method emphasizes a systematic deductive procedure for reaching clinical decisions about learning disabled children. The rationale for the diagnostic and remedial decisions reached at every node of the Key is explained and is supported by data from clinical and experimental studies in psychology and neurology. (Author/SJL)

A 2-year study evaluated the relationship among psychosocial adjustment, changes in academic skills, and contextual factors in 100 children (ages 7-11) with learning problems. Contextual variables were significantly associated with psychosocial adaptation, including the effectiveness of the clinical assessment, extent of academic support, and the…

This article reviews problems in identification of learning disabilities and considers proposed alternatives to present procedures. It argues that the major problems of over identification, variability, and specificity, can be eliminated by increasing specificity and consistency of state criteria and strict adherence to identification criteria on…

Developmental language disorders in preschool children are described. Levels of linguistic functioning are defined, and clinical language disorders are presented. Implications for the school psychologist are discussed, with an emphasis on assessment of verbal and non-verbal functions. (SLD)