The language skills of 27 learning-disabled (LD), 27 behaviorally disordered (BD), and 26 normal achieving (NA) 6- to 9-year-old inner city children were compared. Although significant differences were found between the NA group and both special education groups, no significant differences were found between the LD and BD groups. (Author/DB)

This study compared achievement discrepancies for two groups of college students--a randomly selected group of freshmen and a sample of students identified as learning disabled. It found such a considerable overlap in achievement/ability discrepancies between the two groups that such discrepancies could not be considered diagnostic. (Author/DB)

Critically evaluates recent research aimed at empirical identification of homogeneous subtypes of learning disability. It is suggested that researchers strive for more commonality in the methods and measures used for subtype analysis leading to a single classification scheme to reduce heterogeneity and improve educational efforts. (Author/DB)

The keynote speech identifies six categories of problem areas for children with learning disabilities: (1) synchronization, (2) consistency, (3) methodology, (4) cohesion, (5) saliency determination, and (6) tempo. A model of neurodevelopmental functions and performance elements to guide researchers and practitioners is offered. (DB)

Eleven tests of reading comprehension, language skills, and cognitive processes were administered to 20 high school readers with learning disabilities and 20 controls. The variance on nonverbal tests was greater for the group with LD than for the controls; some individuals with learning disabilities performed as well as the controls. (Author/DB)

This study examined the degree to which 31 13-year-old children with learning disabilities were comparable to younger reading and spelling matched controls in (1) phonological similarity effects, (2) phonetically based misspellings, and (3) relationships between memory and spelling performance. An overreliance on phonological codes was found for…

The study found that, compared to normally achieving students, 24 students (age 10 and 12) with learning disabilities were less able in vocabulary production tasks and comparable in ability to use pictorial responses to demonstrate vocabulary knowledge. When equated in reading achievement, learning-disabled 10 year olds were poorer in composite…

This study with 37 learning-disabled (LD) elementary-age children found that LD children were lower in perceived cognitive competence and academic self-regulation than nondisabled control groups but were comparable to low achieving children. LD children were also likely to perceive academic outcomes as controlled by powerful others. (Author/DB)

This article describes the concept and varieties of mnemonic instruction and how mnemonics interacts with the specific learning characteristics of learning-disabled students. The effectiveness of the techniques, as reported in research studies, is described. Implications for classroom instruction and further research are provided. (DB)

Evaluation of 357 students with either learning disability (LD), serious emotional disturbance (SED), or both (SED/LD), ages 6 to 18, found that children with LD differed from those with SED mainly in terms of severity of problem, not type of problem. Results suggest that students with both LD and SED are under-identified and underserved. (DB)

This pilot study investigated characteristics of three groups of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade children (total N=15) in West Virginia: (1) gifted children with learning disabilities (LDG), (2) gifted children without learning disabilities, (3) non-gifted children with learning disabilities (LD). Subjects were assessed on measures of higher…

Sixty students with specific learning disabilities in either reading and spelling (Group R-S) or arithmetic (Group A), as scored by the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery, were compared. Results (measured by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition) showed weaker nonverbal skills and more counseling among Group A…

The identifying features of nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) were evaluated with 29 NLD children, 27 children with reading and spelling disabilities, and 27 nonclinical children. Four tests were found which accurately discriminated the NLD group from the others. Deficits in visual-perceptual-organizational psychomotor coordination and complex…

The study with 51 boys (ages 7 to 9 years) found that subjects classified as having both attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity and learning disabilities demonstrated the most external locus of control with subjects classified as only learning-disabled intermediate and subjects classified as only having attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity…

Patterns of intelligence scale subtest scores and standardized achievement test scores of 80 gifted and 41 gifted learning-disabled students were compared. A distinctive cognitive pattern of intelligence test scores and patterns in group achievement test scores were identified to target students warranting more in-depth evaluation for early…