Skip to main content Accessibility help
×
Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-c4f8m Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-23T16:01:06.479Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

6a - Learning disorders in children and adolescents

from Section II - Disorders

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 May 2010

Jacobus Donders
Affiliation:
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Scott J. Hunter
Affiliation:
University of Chicago
Get access

Summary

Introduction

Academic concerns and problems are quite common in children and adolescents. While it has been estimated that approximately 20% of the general population in the USA experience difficulties with some form of academic performance [1], current prevalence rates suggest that approximately 6% of the general population meet the necessary diagnostic criteria for a specific learning disorder [2]. There is significant discussion both in the literature and among clinicians and researchers regarding how to appropriately classify and subsequently diagnose a specific learning disorder (LD). Traditionally, it was assumed that a specific learning disorder exists when there is a significant discrepancy between a child's cognitive ability and achievement in reading, mathematics, or written expression. However, within the USA, changes have occurred over the past decade regarding the criteria used for determining a specific learning disorder. These changes have taken place mainly in response to the demonstrated limitations of the ability–achievement model of LD [3]. Currently, categorization of a child's LD is based on a multi-tiered process involving, ideally, early identification and intervention, and review of response to intervention (RTI).

Three primary specific learning disorders are classified in the DSM-IV-TR: Reading Disorder, Mathematics Disorder, and Disorder of Written Expression. A fourth, Learning Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (LD-NOS), serves as a grouping for patterns of learning difficulty that are not academic subject specific (i.e. nonverbal learning disorder is characterized as LD-NOS).

Type
Chapter
Information
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2010

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Slomka, G. In Snyder, PJ, Nussbaum, PD, eds. Clinical Neuropsychology: A Pocket Handbook for Assessment. Washington DC: APA Press; 2003: 141–69.Google Scholar
Hale, J, Fiorello, C, Bertin, M, Sherman, R.Predicting math achievement through neuropsychological interpretation of WISC-III variance components. J Psychoeduc Assess 2003;21:358–80.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fletcher, J, Morris, R, Lyon, G. In Swanson, HL, Harris, KR, Graham, S, eds. Handbook of Learning Disabilities. New York: Guilford Press; 2003: 158–81.Google Scholar
Margalit, M, Tur-Kaspa, H, Most, T.Reciprocal nominations, reciprocal rejections, and loneliness among students with learning disorders. Educ Psychol 1999;19:79–90.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Larkin, M, Ellis, E. In Wong, BYL, ed. Learning About Learning Disabilities. New York: Academic Press; 1998: 557–77.Google Scholar
Maedgen, J, Semrud-Clikeman, M. In Hunter, SJ, Donders, J. eds. Pediatric Neuropsychological Intervention. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2007: 68–87.Google Scholar
Semrud-Clikeman, M.Neuropsychological aspects for evaluating learning disabilities. J Learn Disabil, 2005; 38: 563–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hale, J, Fiorello, C.School Neuropsychology: A Practitioner's Handbook. New York: Guilford Press.
,American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2000.Google Scholar
Vellutino, F, Fletcher, J, Snowling, M, Scanlon, D.Specific reading disability (dyslexia): What have we learned in the fast four decades? J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2004;45:2–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Shaywitz, S, Escobar, M, Shaywitz, B, Fletcher, J, Makuch, R.Evidence that dyslexia may represent the lower tail of a normal distribution of reading ability. N Engl J Med, 1992;326:145–50.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Thomson, J, Raskind, W. In Swanson, HL, Harris, KR, Graham, S, eds. Handbook of Learning Disabilities. New York: Guilford Press; 2003: 256–70.Google Scholar
Harlaar, N, Spinath, F, Dale, P, Plomin, R.Genetic influences on word recognition abilities and disabilities: A study of 7 year old twins. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2005;46:373–84.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Cunningham, A, Stanovich, K.Assessing print exposure and orthographic processing skill in children: a quick measure of reading experience. J Educ Psychol 1998;82:733–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fletcher, J.Predicting math outcomes: reading predictors and comorbidity. J Learn Disabil 2005;38:308–12.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Wills, K. In Hunter, SJ, Donders, J, eds. Pediatric Neuropsychological Intervention. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2007.Google Scholar
Catts, H, Fey, M, Tomblin, J, Zhang, X.A longitudinal investigation of reading outcomes in children with language impairments. J Speech Lang Hear Res 2002;45:3–18.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Bowers, P. In Wolf, M, ed. Dyslexia, Fluency, and the Brain. Timonium, MD: York Press; 2001: 41–64.Google Scholar
Lovett, M, Steinbach, K, Frijeters, J.Remediating the core deficits of developmental reading disability: A double-deficit perspective. J Learn Disabil 2000;33:334–58.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Shaywitz, S, Shaywitz, B, Fulbright, R, Constable, R, Mencl, W.Neural systems for compensation and persistence: Young adult overcome of childhood reading disability. Biol Psychiatry 2003;54:25–33.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hynd, G, Semrud-Clikeman, M, Lorys, A, Novey, E, Eliopulos, D.Brain morphology in developmental dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Arch Neurol 1990;47:919–26.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nicholson, R, Fawcett, A, Dean, P.Developmental dyslexia: the cerebellar deficit hypothesis. Trends Neurosci 2001;24:508–11.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Miller, C, Sanchez, J, Hynd, G. In Swanson, HL, Harris, KR, Graham, S, eds. Handbook of Learning Disabilities. New York: Guilford Press; 2003: 158–81.Google Scholar
Vicari, S, Marotta, L, Menghini, D, Molinari, M, Petrosini, D.Implicit learning deficit in children with developmental dyslexia. Neuropsychologia 2003;41:108–14.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Booheimer, S, Zeffiro, T, Blaxton, T, Gaillard, W, Theodore, W.Regional cerebral blood flow during object naming and word reading. Hum Brain Mapp 1995;3:93–106.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Silver, C, Blackburn, L, Arffa, S, Barth, J, Bush, S, Koffler, S, Pliskin, N, Reynolds, C, Ruff, M, Troster, A, Moser, R, Elliot, RThe importance of neuropsychological assessment for the evaluation of childhood learning disorders NAN policy and planning committee. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2006;21:741–4.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Barbaresi, W, Kautsic, S, Colligan, R, Weaver, A, Jacobsen, S.The incidence of autism in Olmstead County, Minnesota. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2005;159:37–44.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Baenen, N, Bernhole, A, Dulane, C, Banks, K.Reading recovery: long-term progress after three cohorts. J Educ Students Placed at Risk 1997;2:161.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ross, S, Nunnery, J, Goldfeder, E.A Randomized Experiment on the Effects of Accelerated Reader/Reading Renaissance in an Urban School District: Preliminary Evaluation Report. Memphis, TN: The University of Memphis Center for Research in Educational Policy; 2004.Google Scholar
Desoete, A, Roeyers, H, Clercq, A.Children with mathematics learning disabilities in Belgium. J Learn Disabil 2004;37:50–61.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Fuchs, L.Prevention research in mathematics: improving outcomes, building identification models, and understanding disability. J Learn Disabil 2005;38:293–304.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hiebert, J, LeFevre, P. In Hiebert, J, ed., Conceptual and Procedural Knowledge in Mathematics. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum Press; 1987: 1–27.Google Scholar
Hallahan, D.Some thoughts on why the prevalence of learning disabilities has increased. J Learn Disabil 1992;8:523–8.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Shalev, R, Manor, O, Kerem, B, Ayali, M, Badichi, N, Friedlander, Y, Gross-Tsur, V.Developmental Dyscalculia is a familial learning disability. J Learn Disabil, 2001; 34:59–65.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mazzocco, M.Challenges in identifying target skills: math disability screening and intervention. J Learn Disabil 2005;38:318–23.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rapport, M.Bridging theory and practice: conceptual understanding of treatments for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, and depression. J Clin Child Psychol 2001;30:3–7.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mayes, S, Calhoun, SFrequency of reading, math, and writing disabilities in children with clinical disorders. Learn Individ Differ 2006;16:145–57.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ginsburg, H.Mathematics learning disabilities: a view from developmental psychology, J Learn Disabil 1997;30:20–33.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Levine, M.A Mind at a Time. New York: Simon & Schuster; 2002.Google Scholar
Geary, D. In Geary, DC, ed. Children's Mathematical Development. Washington DC: American Psychological Association Press; 1995: 261–88.Google Scholar
Branch, W, Cohen, M, Hynd, G.Academic achievement and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children with left-or right-hemisphere dysfunction. J Learn Disabil 1995;28:35–43.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Shalev, R, Auerback, J, Manor, O, Gross-Tsur, V.Developmental Dyscalculia: prevalence and prognosis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2000;9:58–64.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Dehaene, S, Cohen, L.Cerebral pathways for calculation: double dissociation between rote verbal and quantitative knowledge of arithmetic. Cortex 1997;33:219–50.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Campbell, JI, Xue, Q.Cognitive arithmetic across cultures. J Exp Psychol Gen 2001;130:299–315.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Levine, M.Developmental Variation and Learning Disabilities. Cambridge, MA: Educators Pub Service; 1987.Google Scholar
Aster, M.Developmental cognitive neuropsychology of number processing and calculation: varieties of developmental dyscalculia. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2000;9:41–57.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Baddeley, A.Recent developments in working memory. Curr Op Neurobiol 1998;8:234–8.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hopko, D, Ashcraft, M, Gute, J, Ruggiero, K, Lewis, C.Mathematics anxiety and working memory support for the existence of a deficient inhibition mechanism. J Anxiety Disord 1998;12:343–55.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Chocon, F, Cohen, L, Moortele, P, Dehaene, S.Differential contributions of the left and right inferior parietal lobules to number processing. J Cogn Neurosci 1999;11:617–30.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Menon, V, Rivera, S, White, C, Eliez, S, Glover, G, Reiss, A.Dissociating prefrontal and parietal cortex activation during arithmetic processing. Nuroimage 2000;12:357–65.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
,EDSTAR Inc. Large-scale Evaluation of Student Achievement in Districts Using Houghton Mifflin. Raleigh-Durham, NC: EDSTAR, 2004.Google Scholar
Lerner, J.Learning Disabilities: Theories, Diagnosis, and Teaching Strategies, 8th edn. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin; 2000.Google Scholar
Swanson, H, Ashbaker, M.Working memory, short-term memory, speech rate, word recognition, and reading comprehension in learning disabled readers: does the executive system have a role? Intelligence 2000;28:1–30.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Abbot, R, Berninger, V.Structural equation modeling of relationships among developmental skills and writing skills in primary and intermediate grade writers. J Educ Psychol 1993;85:478–508.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ellis, A.Reading, Writing, and Dyslexia: A Cognitive Analysis. New York: Psychology Press; 1982.Google Scholar
Hayes, J, Flower, L.Cognitive Processes in Writing. New York: Erlbaum; 1980.Google Scholar
Roeltgen, D. In Heilman, KM, Valenstein, E, eds. Clinical Neuropsychology. New York: Oxford University Press; 1985: 75–96.Google Scholar
Berninger, V, Mizokawa, D, Bragg, D.Theory-based diagnosis and remediation of writing disabilities. J School Psychol, 1991;29:57–79.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Torgesen, J. In Lyon, GR, Krasnegor, NA, eds. Attention, Memory, and Executive Functioning. Baltimore: Brookes; 1996: 157–84.Google Scholar
Cardebat, D, Demonet, J, Villard, G, Faure, S, Puel, M, Celsis, P.Brain functional profiles in formal and semantic fluency tasks: a SPECT study in normals. Brain Lang, 1996;52:305–13.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Keefe, R.The contribution of neuropsychology to psychiatry. Am J Psychiatry 1995;152:6–15.Google ScholarPubMed
Margalit, M, Al-Yagon, M. In Wong, BYL, Donahue, M, eds. The Social Dimensions of Learning Disabilities. Mahwah, New Jersey: Erlbaum; 2002: 53–75.Google Scholar
Rourke, B. In Lyon, GR, ed. Frames of Reference for the Assessment of Learning Disabilities. Baltimore, MD: Brookes; 1994: 475–509.Google Scholar
Fletcher, JM, Lyon, GR, Fuchs, LS, Barnes, MA.Learning Disabilities: From Identification to Intervention. New York: Guilford Press; 2007.Google Scholar

Save book to Kindle

To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure coreplatform@cambridge.org is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.

Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.

Available formats
×

Save book to Dropbox

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

Available formats
×