Diagnosing learning disabilities (LD) in children has never been an easy task. The multiple approaches in use complicate the assessment process, raising the risk of young students getting the wrong services, or none at all. It is clear that more accurate diagnosis and classification methods are needed to advance the prevention and treatment of difficulties in reading and mathematics. Diagnostic Assessment of Learning Disabilities in Childhood takes important steps to cut through the confusion. This timely resource weighs the strengths and weaknesses of commonly used assessment methods including the aptitude-achievement discrepancy, cognitive processing, RTI and low achievement approaches and introduces the author's academic impairment model as a promising alternative. A chapter on comorbid disorders in students with LD guides readers in the fine points of differential diagnosis. And to make the coverage especially practical, the book's features link the theoretical to the real-world practice of LD assessment, among them: Overviews of LD identification and definitions. Analysis of widely used diagnostic approaches with strengths and weaknesses. Examples of assessment protocols and report writing. Case examples illustrating diagnostic issues. Q&A sections with leading experts in the field. Useful summaries, appendices and resource links. Diagnostic Assessment of Learning Disabilities in Childhood is an invaluable reference for school and clinical child psychologists, special education and allied educational professionals and researchers and graduate students in school, educational and clinical child psychology who are dedicated to higher measurement standards and greater opportunities for children’s academic success.

The third edition of this classic resource is a comprehensive source of information, strategies, and activities for working with learning disabled students. The book offers special educators, classroom teachers, and parents a wealth of new and proven suggestions and ready-to-use materials for helping LD students of all ages learn and perform at their fullest potential.

Children living in poverty are more likely to have mental health problems, and their conditions are more likely to be severe. Of the approximately 1.3 million children who were recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits in 2013, about 50% were disabled primarily due to a mental disorder. An increase in the number of children who are recipients of SSI benefits due to mental disorders has been observed through several decades of the program beginning in 1985 and continuing through 2010. Nevertheless, less than 1% of children in the United States are recipients of SSI disability benefits for a mental disorder. At the request of the Social Security Administration, Mental Disorders and Disability Among Low-Income Children compares national trends in the number of children with mental disorders with the trends in the number of children receiving benefits from the SSI program, and describes the possible factors that may contribute to any differences between the two groups. This report provides an overview of the current status of the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and the levels of impairment in the U.S. population under age 18. The report focuses on 6 mental disorders, chosen due to their prevalence and the severity of disability attributed to those disorders within the SSI disability program: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, and mood disorders. While this report is not a comprehensive discussion of these disorders, Mental Disorders and Disability Among Low-Income Children provides the best currently available information regarding demographics, diagnosis, treatment, and expectations for the disorder time course - both the natural course and under treatment.

Practical, up-to-date guidance on identifying Specific Learning Disability Essentials of Specific Learning Disability Identification provides accessible, authoritative guidance on specific learning disability (SLD), with the most up-to-date information on assessment, identification, interventions, and more. Contributions by leading experts examine multiple theoretical orientations and various identification approaches for dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and other common SLDs. Emphasizing real-world utility, this book provides important information for professionals who work with children and youth at risk; many of the SLD identification practices can be put to work immediately, and the expert coverage offers many strategies and interventions for student support in the classroom. This new second edition has been updated to align with the most current understanding of SLD manifestations, diagnostic assessment, and evidence-based interventions, and includes new material covering nonverbal learning disability, speech-language impairment, general learning difficulties, and differentially diagnosing SLD from other conditions. Early SLD identification and the right kind of help can raise the trajectory of a child's life. This book provides in-depth information to facilitate accurate identification and appropriate intervention to help you help the children in your care. Understand how SLD manifests in academic performance Learn theory- and research-based approaches to SLD identification Examine the latest information about new aspects of SLD determination Utilize appropriate and effective intervention strategies for student support If a child's learning disability is caught early, and the correct type of support is provided, that child gets the chance to develop the skills that lead to achievement in school and beyond. As a high-incidence disorder, SLD affects 10-15 percent of the general population, making successful identification an essential skill for those who work with children. Essentials of Specific Learning Disability Identification provides authoritative guidance and practical methods that can help you start changing children's lives today.

This book has been replaced by Diagnosing Learning Disorders, Third Edition, ISBN 978-1-4625-3791-4.

Description A definitive reference--now extensively revised with 70% new material--this book presents cutting-edge knowledge on how learning disorders develop and how to diagnose and treat them effectively. In additional to dyslexia and mathematics disabilities, the book covers speech and language disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability. Accessibly written, it is grounded in genetics, neuroscience, and developmental neuropsychology. Clinicians and educators are guided to make sense of children's impairments and strengths and make sound diagnostic decisions. Best practices in intervention are reviewed. User-friendly features include case examples and summary tables in each disorder-specific chapter. Key words learning disabilities, differential diagnosis, identification, classification, reading, mathematics, difficulties, impairments, dyslexia, dyscalculia, special education, classrooms, interventions, treatments, assessments, diagnostic instruments, testing, autism spectrum disorders, Asperger syndrome, intellectual disability, mental retardation, speech sound disorder, language, ADHD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, instruction, achievement, specific learning disorder, specific learning disability, developmental neuropsychology, brain, neuroscience, students, children, adolescents, struggling learners, special-needs, DSM5, DSMV, etiology, causes, disabled children

This essential book offers an accessible, evidence-based guide to Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD) informed by the most current research, and clinical and educational practice. It provides a thorough explanation of the science behind the condition, alongside ideas, support, and practical tips for managing the everyday challenges of the disorder at school and in family life. Mammarella, Cardillo, and Broitman describe the main characteristics of the condition from both theoretical and practical points of view, as well as examining the similarities and differences between NVLD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. They explore the cognitive and academic weaknesses and strengths of children with NVLD, and the emotional and social difficulties they may experience. The book also provides a systematic review of scientific studies in this field whilst focusing on issues of diagnostic criteria, as well as assessment and intervention strategies. Practical examples are given for teachers and parents to help support children with NVLD in improving their visuospatial and motor skills, as well as peer-social relations, and in promoting the child’s individual abilities. Understanding Nonverbal Learning Disability is essential reading for parents and practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, and health and social care, and students in these fields.