Learning disabilities: the need for neuropsychological evaluation.
A learning disability (LD) is a neurobiological disorder that presents as a serious difficulty with reading, arithmetic, and/or written expression that is unexpected, given the individual's intellectual ability. A learning disability is not an emotional disorder nor is it caused by an emotional disorder. If inadequately or improperly evaluated, a learning disability has the potential to impact an individual's functioning adversely and produce functional impairment in multiple life domains. When a learning disability is suspected, an evaluation of neuropsychological abilities is necessary to determine the source of the difficulty as well as the areas of neurocognitive strength that can serve as a foundation for compensatory strategies and treatment options.
Silver
Cheryl H
CH
Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9088, USA. cheryl.silver@utsouthwestern.edu
Ruff
Ronald M
RM
Iverson
Grant L
GL
Barth
Jeffrey T
JT
Broshek
Donna K
DK
Bush
Shane S
SS
Koffler
Sandra P
SP
Reynolds
Cecil R
CR
D001076:Aptitude; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests