Problems in the Diagnosis of Dyslexia

Abstract

In order to give concrete application to some of the current problems and disagreements in defining and conceptualizing “dyslexia,” the authors report here the total diagnostic evaluation of an eight-year-old boy of normal intelligence who had a severe reading disability. The evaluation included psychiatric and neurological examinations as well as psychological testing. There were multiple inconsistencies and contradictions in the clinical findings, so that clear-cut diagnostic and etiologic inferences from these findings were not justified. The findings were reviewed in terms of how they might support two different etiologic interpretations. Nevertheless, that such uncertainty as to diagnosis and etiology need not impair the effectiveness of remediation and treatment, is demonstrated in this boy's case.