Main description:

Perspectives on the Classification of Specific Developmental Disorders is an up-to-date review of the controversy surrounding the classification of such disparate disorders as reading, spelling, writing, and language disorders. Severe and specific impairments in these functions do exist and appear to follow a developmental course. How to identify children presenting with such problems and how to operationalize the disorders has long challenged professionals. This text grew from an international symposium held in the Netherlands, but all chapters have been specially prepared for the publication. Described in the foreword by Sir Michael Rutter, FRS, as ` ... thoughtful and well informed discussions ... that may serve as a basis for a problem-solving set of both research strategies and practical steps that will ensure real resolutions of the dilemmas outlined here', the text should serve as a stimulating source for debate of the many issues involved.

Contents:

Foreword; M. Rutter. Section 1: Introduction. Perspectives on the Classification of Specific Developmental Disorders: An Introduction; J. Rispens, et al. The Role of SDD in Classification Systems: Historical Overview and Current Status; J. Rispens, T.A. van Yperen. Criteria for Research and Clinical Practice: A Critical Discussion; W. Yule, B. Maughan. Section 2: Specific Developmental Reading Disorders. The Validity of the Category of Specific Developmental Reading Disorder; J. Rispens. What is Specific About the Specific Reading Disorder? H. Remschmidt, et al. The Role of IQ in the Diagnosis of Reading Disorders: The Quest for a Subtype Based on Aptitude Achievement Discrepancy; K.E. Stanovich, L.S. Siegel. Section 3: Language Disorders. Is Specific Language Impairment a Valid Diagnostic Category? Genetic and Psycholinguistic Evidence; D.V.M. Bishop. The Classification of Speech and Language Disorders; H. Amorosa. Specific Language and Speech Disorder: Purifying the Concept; T.A. van Yperen. Section 4: Developmental Motor Disorders. Developmental Movement Problems; S.E. Henderson, A.L. Barnett. The Classification of Specific Motor Disorders: Implications for Intervention; M.M. Schoemaker, et al. Theory-Based Diagnosis and Subclassification in the Developmental Coordination Disorder; B.C.M. Smits-Engelsman, et al. On the Relevance of Specific Classifications of Disorders with Particular Focus on DCD, Developmental Coordination Disorder; A.F. Kalverboer. The Future of the Concept of Specific Developmental Disorders: Summary and Conclusions; T.A. van Yperen, et al.