A new methodological procedure has been developed based on the vigilance task for investigating attentional deficits. The subject is directed to respond to visual signals which occur randomly within a temporal sequence of visual events noted as a pattern of flashing lights. The procedures successfully differentiate between children with learning disabilities and normal control subjects. The procedure allows attentional deficits in children to be studied in such a way as to bring variables not previously controlled under experimental scrutiny. The procedure has potentialities as a diagnostic tool.
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