The processes used in identifying/diagnosing specific learning disabilities (SLDs) vary across settings and classification systems. Moreover, the theoretically and mathematically derived identification models (i.e., discrepancy model) have thus far not demonstrated adequate reliability and validity. The present study explores the utility of…

Purpose: Dyslexia is characterized by its diverse causes and heterogeneous manifestations. Chinese children with dyslexia exhibit orthographic, phonological, and semantic deficits across character and radical levels when writing. However, whether character dictation can be used to distinguish children with dyslexia from their typically developing…

Learning disabilities (LDs) have long been presumed to be a neurological disorder resulting from a deficit in 1 or more cognitive processes. Although the emphasis on cognitive processing disorders has been included in the definition since the term was coined, and although it arguably represents the key distinguishing characteristic of LDs, it also…

While special education law has been amended several times since the statutory definition of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) was created in 1968, there continues to be ambiguity within the field regarding the definition as well as the diagnostic criteria. This inevitably leads to a lack of consistency in diagnosis within states and among…

This study examined whether a large group of postsecondary students participating in a support program for students classified as having learning disabilities (LD) met criteria for five objective diagnostic models for LD: IQ-achievement discrepancy (1.0 SD, 1.5 SD, and greater than 2.0 SD) models, a "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of…

Background: There is growing application of school-based screening to identify post-traumatic distress in students following exposure to trauma. The consensus method is based on self-report questionnaires that assess posttraumatic symptoms, functional impairment, depression or anxiety. Objective: The current research explored the possibility of…

There is a very substantial literature over the past 50 years on the advantages of early detection and intervention on the cognitive, communicative, and social-emotional development of infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delay due to premature birth or social disadvantage. Most of these studies excluded children with severe delays or…

The increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its detection during the first 3 years of life have substantial relevance for early intervention. The purpose of this article is to summarize current scientific and policy information on early identification and early intervention for infants and toddlers with ASD and their families.…

The purpose of this article is to examine models designed for the determination of a learning disability and compare them to specific criteria to determine whether the given diagnostic process is ecological in nature. The traditional child-centered deficit model (CCD), Relative Achievement Discrepancy model (RAD), and Responsiveness to…

The paper examines three models still considered useful in identifying achievement-aptitude discrepancies: the prediction model, true score regression model, and prescore partialling model. Data are cited to provide support for the regression model as the simplest to use and most efficient statistically. (Author/CL)

This study compared level of agreement among four models used to diagnose learning disabilities (LD), including the simple discrepancy, intraindividual, intellectual ability-achievement, and underachievement models. The simple discrepancy model diagnosed significantly more college students with LD than the others. The highest agreement was between…

An ecological niche framework (Hacking, 1998) is utilised to examine the growth of ADHD in North America. The analysis suggests ADHD flourishes, at least in part, due to a complex and historically situated interaction of factors that created a niche within which a particular kind of explanation and treatment for the troubling behaviours of…

An assessment model is presented that provides a framework for the evaluation of young handicapped children and their families. The theoretical base of interactionism and role modeling along with the application of the diagnostic-prescriptive method provide the basis for the approach. (Author)

The author argues against the medical model of screening children for the early identification of special education needs. He proposes an alternate system which concentrates not on labeling children, but on the improvement of instruction for all, an approach which is exemplified by the reading program in Salford. (SJL)

The first in seven sets of guidelines based on the consensus of experts in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral problems in mental retardation (MR) focuses on diagnosis and assessment. It includes the definition and levels of mental retardation, difficulties in diagnosing psychiatric and behavioral problems in the presence of MR, assessment…