The overview presented in this paper blends personal experiences of the past, supported by a review of professional publications, with a direction for the future. It is heartfelt. A plea is put forward for a coordinated interdisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, treatment, education, remediation, and support of the learning disabled child. A model training program called “The Learning Lab” is offered for consideration and further exploration.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Adelman, H.S.Diagnostic classification of learning problems: some data. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 1978, 48, 717–725.
2.
Berlin, I.N.Advocacy for Child Mental Health. New York: Brunner/Mazel, 1975.
3.
Bruininks, V.L.Peer status and personality characteristics of learning disabled and nondisabled students. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1978, 11, 484–489.
4.
Brutten, M., Richardson, S., & Mangel, C.Something's Wrong with My Child. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1973.
Bryant, T.E.The effect of student failure on the quality of family life and community mental health. Bulletin of the Orton Society, 1978, 28, 8–14.
7.
Campbell, S.B.G.Problems for clinical diagnosis. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1979, 12, 511–513.
8.
Clarke, L. Can't Read. Can't Write, Can't Talk Too Good Either. Maryland: Penguin Books, 1974.
9.
Cohen, S.Improving attitudes toward the handicapped. The Educational Forum, 1977, 17, 9–19.
10.
Cott, A.From the traditional approach to biochemical treatment. Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry, 1977, 6, 179–182.
11.
Division of Assistance to States, BEH. Bulletin #23: Informal letter to chief state school officers, Education for the Handicapped Law Report, December 1978, 203–65.
12.
The Education for All Handicapped Children Act 1975, PL 94–142; 20 U.S.C. 1401 et. sec. Federal Register, Aug. 23, 1977, 42 (163): 42474–42518; Dec. 29, 1977, 42 (250).
13.
Farnham-Diggory, S.Learning Disabilities. Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1978.
14.
Harner, W., & Alexander, J.Parental attitudes within the diagnostic intervention process. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1978, 11, 590–593.
15.
Hickey, K.Modifying reading behavior of elementary special needs children: A cooperative resource-parent program. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 1979, 12, 444–449.
16.
Jones, F.E.Robin's story. Bulletin of the Orton Society, 1978, 28, 175–180.
17.
Kline, C.L.Developmental dyslexia in adolescents: The emotional carnage. Bulletin of the Orton Society, 1978, 28, 160–174.