Comparison of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral play therapy and theory of mind training on cognitive flexibility of students with specific learning disabilities and comorbidity with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as a moderator

Testing to determine if adolescents or adults have a specific learning disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a niche practice area for psychologists experienced with assessment. Testing may be done to update earlier documentation or to determine whether an individual having difficulty in school or on the job has a learning disability or ADHD that accounts for his or her difficulties. Often, one goal of these evaluations is to determine if an individual qualifies for accommodations on classroom and standardized tests. This chapter describe the author’s training and the information clinicians need to have to complete these evaluations. Clinicians must be familiar with research on learning disabilities and ADHD in adolescents and adults, so that their evaluations will be evidence based, and with disability law. The positive and negative aspects of this practice area and business considerations are discussed. The chapter concludes with advice for how clinicians interested in these evaluations can obtain training.

Download Full-text

Considering learning disabilities and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder when assessing for neurodegenerative disease

Neurology Clinical Practice ◽

10.1212/cpj.0000000000000799 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 520-526

Author(s):

Mary K. Colvin ◽

Janet C. Sherman

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Learning Disabilities ◽

Neurodegenerative Disease ◽

Older Adult ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Specific Learning

Purpose of reviewWhen evaluating an older adult for a possible neurodegenerative disease, the role of premorbid specific learning disabilities or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be considered. These neurodevelopmental conditions can manifest as lifelong weaknesses and variability in cognitive functions that complicate assessment of cognitive decline. There is also accumulating evidence that certain neurodevelopmental disorders may entail greater risk for specific neurodegenerative disorders.Recent findingsWe describe clinical cases where diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease was influenced by preexisting neurodevelopmental disorders. We also present a questionnaire to assist with screening for premorbid learning disabilities and ADHD in older adults.SummaryThis article offers clinical guidance for practicing neurologists in the identification and assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders in older adult patients, which informs management and treatment. Consideration of lifetime functioning has become increasingly important with research linking neurodevelopmental disabilities to increased risk of specific neurodegenerative diseases.

Download Full-text

Hidden impairments

Fitness for Work ◽

10.1093/med/9780198808657.003.0032 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 726-745 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marios Adamou ◽

John Hobson

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Learning Disabilities ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Specific Learning Disabilities ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Chronic Disorders ◽

The Individual ◽

Specific Learning

This chapter on hidden impairments considers the neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and their impact on employment and how occupational health (OH) professionals can provide appropriate advice on fitness to work. These chronic disorders have a combined prevalence of up to 6%, are highly co-morbid, and commonly present with specific learning disabilities such as dyspraxia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. As the term implies, they are often missed by clinicians and are costly to society. With equality legislation and increasing diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders, OH professionals should be aware of the functional impact of these conditions and the behavioural and cognitive challenges to performance at work so they can best support the individual and advise the employer. The chapter provides guidance on how work can be designed and organized to enable people with neurodevelopmental disorders to obtain and retain suitable employment and to benefit from work.

Download Full-text