Identification of Potential Learning Disorders

Abstract

Consideration is given to the merits of group testing, especially as related to identifying auditory and visual perceptual problems. Group screening is discussed and broadly interpreted to include formal testing, observational procedures, and teacher observation. Screening procedures are approached in the context of epidemiology, early identification, early intervention, and prevention. Limitations and disadvantages of screening are presented, including considerations of reliability, observational and qualitative data, variability of administrative procedures, and information on individual children. Given the limitations, it is concluded that: (1) group assessment procedures are needed to work toward prevention, (2) description of learning characteristics is feasible with group screening instruments, and (3) it is necessary to match learning characteristics of children with instructional methods.