This review documents the learning disabilities (LD) identification criteria and procedures utilized in empirical research including students with LD published from 2001 to 2013 in three journals dedicated to the study of LD. Results reveal several troublesome findings related to transparency in reporting and the coherence of the LD construct.…

The article presents an analysis of the 229 research reports which have appeared in two major learning disability journals since 1978. Among findings are that the vast majority of these studies are quasiexperimental in nature and control of extraneous variables (e.g., intelligence) was not appropriately demonstrated in many studies. (Author)

In response to the issues raised by B. Feingold regarding the possible role of food additives as a cause of hyperactivity and learing disability, the Nutrition Foundation organized a critical review of Feinfold's claims by a group of behavioral and medical scientists. Among the cliams made by Feingold was that, when treated with the salicylate and…

Although research results generally fail to confirm a consistent relationship between reading performance and visual perception, auditory perception, or modality preference, clinical observations and teachers' opinions suggest the presence of such a relationship. The article reviews the research and suggests factors, including asking the wrong…

The article reviews issues regarding the role of attention in reading problems manifested by learning disabled students. Characteristics of attention (including arousal, alertness, vigilance, selective attention, and capacity) are considered. (CL)

The article reviews the empirical evidence implicating conductive hearing impairments as causal agents in learning disability, language dysfunction, and central auditory problems. It is concluded that there are few, if any, valid data linking conductive hearing impairment to any of these problems. (Author/DLS)

Part of a study on the link between LD (learning disabilities) and delinquency, the paper summarizes the literature on the prevalence of handicapped juveniles in the justice system. Following a review of methodological limitations in the literature, the paper summarizes findings about the prevalence of emotional disturbances, mental retardation…

Noting that one reason for the discrepant results found in research on reading difficulties is the variety of approaches used to assess reading and spelling problems, this paper examines two of these approaches in terms of their implicit assumptions and inherent failings. The paper first discusses the etiological approach, which tries to identify…

The author considers reasons for the time delay between research findings and classroom application, examines research on teaching math and spelling to the learning disabled (LD) student, and reviews the status of the controversy over process or modality training for LD students. (CL)

Synthesizes information from a 1995 international symposium on longitudinal research in learning disabilities. Discussion of generic considerations of longitudinal research is followed by examination of issues specific to learning disabilities including definition, attrition, composition of research teams, ethical concerns, data collection, and…

Discusses a set of neuropsychodiagnostic rules proposed by Selz and Reitan. That study was found to be seriously limited on theoretical grounds and in terms of research methodology. Sampling problems were indicated, and issues of neurological integrity and learning disabilities were poorly conceptualized. (Author)

Reviews literature that describes the rational and nonrational factors sustaining the myth that stimulant medication is ineffective for hyperactive adolescents. Discusses methodological problems and factors--such as increasing size, misbehavior and misattribution, and perceived relationship to drug abuse--that influence treatment decisions. (JAC)

This literature review examines 10 areas related to employment of adults with learning disabilities: transitions to work, obtaining employment, type of employment, rate of employment, wages, job satisfaction, job success, effect of learning disabilities on work, compensatory strategies, and employer perceptions. Methodological issues, emergent…

The paper asserts that learning disabilities is a "cherished ailment" in that so little is definitively known about the condition or about effective treatment, and further, that school systems and practitioners benefit from the large numbers of students diagnosed as LD. It is suggested that the traditional view of LD precludes alternative…

Learning disability researchers often misconstrue their object of study, unexplained underachievement, by interpreting it neurologically and ignoring the classroom environment and the social forces shaping it. It is important to recognize that academic performance is shaped by larger extra-educational and political forces in society. (Author/KC)