The heterogeneity among children with learning disabilities still represents a barrier and a challenge in their conceptualization. Although a dimensional approach has been gaining support, the categorical approach is still the most adopted, as in the recent fifth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders." The…

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by high levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; however, these symptoms can result from a variety of reasons. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the various difficulties of individuals with ADHD, especially when co-occurrence difficulties are present, it is…

This study used data from six neuropsychological measures of executive function (EF) and general intellectual functioning (GIF) administered to 303 regular users of heroin and/or cocaine as indicators in a latent profile analysis (LPA). Results indicated the presence of three profiles: impaired GIF and EF profile (30.8%), intact GIF and EF profile…

This study examined the pattern of results on the "Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children" (WISC-IV; French version) for 60 French children with dyslexia, from 8 to 16 years of age. Although use of WISC-III failed to clearly identify typical profiles and cognitive deficits in dyslexia, WISC-IV offers an opportunity to reach these…

General cognitive ability is still a factor in current definitions of dyslexia despite two decades of research showing little or no relevance to the nature of dyslexia. This article suggests one reason why this may be so. The suggestion is based on a distinction between dyslexia as a disability (poor ability)--as it is viewed and explained by…

The neuropsychological approach to studying learning disabilities (LD) has produced two extreme positions: the view of LD as (1) homogeneous and unitary and (2) as a pattern of unique and idiosyncratic characteristics. Resulting classification approaches for determining subtypes of the population have important implications for assessment and…

Among conclusions of this review of findings regarding contemporary neuropsychology and cerebral hemisphere specialization as related to learning disabilities are: (1) differential specialization occurs very early; (2) anomalous hemispheric specialization is not necessarily associated with cognitive deficit; and (3) left- and right-hemisphere…

This article highlights the scientific contributions of nineteenth-century German researchers in describing neuropsychologic dysfunction and in conceptualizing and cerebrally localizing clinical syndromes associated with learning disabilities. Noted are contributions of Pierre Paul Broca, Carl Wernicke, Ludwig Lichtheim, Hugo Karl Liepmann, B.…

The article reviews literature on the information processing model with learning disabled children. Assumptions concerning the role of automaticity, prior knowledge, and executive functioning are questioned. Also discussed are procedures for identifying common denominations, subgrouping, isolating mental components underlying academic change, and…

The article examines neuropsychological theories of behavior and considers their application to special education, with particular emphasis on learning disabilties. Among problems involved with the approach are difficulties communicating educationally relevant data and confusion over the validity and utility of the neuropsychological approach. (CL)

The author reviews implications of the previous four papers on the neuropsychological approach to learning disabilities (ED 161 035-038), notes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, discusses potential valuable test batteries, and emphasizes the need for appropriate training in neuropsychology psychologists and teachers. (CL)

The paper reviews research, largely inconclusive, on diagnostic-prescriptive teaching and proposes a model for use with learning disabled students using neuropsychological test data to infer relevant learner aptitudes. Studies are cited to support the validity of strength-matched teaching and the use of compensatory teaching with severe learning…

This study sought to identify clusters or subtypes of children with learning disabilities (LD, n=24) and brain damage (BD, n=36) using a neuropsychological battery. Five clusters were determined, but no one cluster was composed exclusively of LD or BD subjects. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences between clusters were found.…

Subtypes of learning disabilities based on neuropsychological, developmental, and behavioral perspectives are reviewed. A multidimensional perspective integrating aspects of all three approaches is proposed which draws a distinction between production and mediational subtypes of learning disorders and stresses an ideographic approach to assessment…

Reviews recent neuroradiologic and brain imaging techniques in the assessment of learning disability. Technologies reviewed include computerized tomography; magnetic resonance imaging; electrophysiological and metabolic imaging; computerized electroencepholographic studies of evoked potentials, event-related potentials, spectral analysis, and…