Friday, November 26, 2010

Research bytes: ISI Web of Knowledge Alert - Learnng Disorders


*Record 1 of 3. Search terms matched: EN(1)
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Title: Auditory Pathways and Processes: Implications for Neuropsychological Assessment and Diagnosis of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Bailey, T
Author Full Names: Bailey, Teresa
Source: CHILD NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 16 (6): 521-548 2010
Language: English
Abstract: Neuroscience research on auditory processing pathways and their behavioral and electrophysiological correlates has taken place largely outside the field of clinical neuropsychology. Deviations and disruptions in auditory pathways in children and adolescents result in a well-documented range of developmental and learning impairments frequently referred for neuropsychological evaluation. This review is an introduction to research from the last decade. It describes auditory cortical and subcortical pathways and processes and relates recent research to specific conditions and questions neuropsychologists commonly encounter. Auditory processing disorders' comorbidity with ADHD and language-based disorders and research addressing the challenges of assessment and differential diagnosis are discussed.
ISSN: 0929-7049
DOI: 10.1080/09297041003783310
IDS Number: 675XM

*Record 2 of 3. Search terms matched: DISABILITIES(2); DISABILITY(1); EN(1); LEARNING(3)
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Title: Visual Perception and Memory Impairments in Children at Risk of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities
Authors: Mammarella, IC; Pazzaglia, F
Author Full Names: Mammarella, Irene C.; Pazzaglia, Francesca
Source: CHILD NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 16 (6): 564-576 2010
Language: English
Abstract: Visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and visual perception were examined in two groups aged 11-13, one with children displaying symptoms of nonverbal learning disability (NLD) (n = 18) and the other a control group without learning disabilities (n = 18). The two groups were matched for general verbal abilities, age, gender, and socioeconomic level. The children were presented with VSWM tests involving visual and spatial-simultaneous processes, and also with a classical visual illusion, a classical ambiguous figure, as well as visual perception tests specifically devised for the present study. Results revealed that performance of children at risk of NLD was worse than controls in some VSWM and in visual perception tests without memory involvement; these latter required comparisons of visual stimuli and locations in space with distractors. Moreover, the two groups differed in perceiving the classical ambiguous figure. Findings are discussed in the light of both theoretical and clinical implications.
ISSN: 0929-7049
DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2010.485125
IDS Number: 675XM

*Record 3 of 3. Search terms matched: EN(1)
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Title: Processing Speed Weakness in Children and Adolescents with Non-Hyperactive but Inattentive ADHD (ADD)
Authors: Goth-Owens, TL; Martinez-Torteya, C; Martel, MM; Nigg, JT
Author Full Names: Goth-Owens, Timothy L.; Martinez-Torteya, Cecilia; Martel, Michelle M.; Nigg, Joel T.
Source: CHILD NEUROPSYCHOLOGY 16 (6): 577-591 2010
Language: English
Abstract: DSM-IV-TR defines ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive as allowing up to five symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, while theories of the inattentive type usually assume a group that is hypoactive and characterized by processing speed and cognitive interference deficits. In a community-recruited sample of 572 children and adolescents, a pure inattentive subtype of ADHD (ADD) was defined as those who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for ADHD-PI but had two or fewer hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Processing and output speeds of those with ADD were compared to those identified with DSM-IV-TR ADHD combined type and non-ADHD controls. These results were then contrasted with those found when DSM-IV-TR defined ADHD-PI was compared with ADHD-C and controls. Processing and output speed were assessed with the Trailmaking A and B and the Stroop Naming Tests. Cognitive interference control was assessed with the interference score from the Stroop Task. Slower cognitive interference speed was found in the ADD vs. ADHD-C and controls comparisons, but not the ADHD-PI versus ADHD-C and controls comparisons. On output speed measures, ADD exhibited the slowest performance, significantly different from controls and the effect size for the set-shifting speed contrast (Trailmaking B) was double that of the ADHD-PI vs. control comparison. ADHD-Inattentive type as defined by the DSM-IV-TR is a heterogeneous condition with a meaningful proportion of those affected exhibiting virtually no hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This subgroup may represent a distinct inattentive condition characterized by poor cognitive interference control and slow processing or output speed.
ISSN: 0929-7049
DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2010.485126
IDS Number: 675XM