Role of Special Pediatric Evaluation in the Evaluation of a Child with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

Two pediatric specialists, utilizing nine pediatric factors, diagnosed learning disabilities correctly in 91% of the cases evaluated but overdiagnosed it in 30% of nonlearning disabled children. The following were present in a significantly higher percentage of cases of learning disabled children compared to nonlearning disabled children: significant high risk conditions for brain damage or dysfunction in the medical history, minor neurological dysfunction, obesity, teacher and parents reporting a learning disability in the child, poorly drawn two-dimensional figures, and delayed word recognition. Evaluation by a pediatric specialist in learning disabilities is indicated in the learning disabled child with motor hyperactivity and in certain other instances. Since an evaluation by a specialist in learning disabilities is not possible in every learning disabled child, a procedure for referral is suggested.