Recommended Best Practices for the Early Identification and Diagnosis of Children with Specific Learning Disabilities in Ontario

Abstract

Despite the importance of early intervention for most disorders to minimize potential deleterious lifetime effects for the individuals concerned, there is currently no universally accepted protocol for the early screening, identification, and assessment of specific learning disabilities, and no consistent age at which initial diagnosis occurs. In Ontario, as well as in other jurisdictions, the distinction between key terms, such as identification and diagnosis, for the sake of service provision and funding in the school system is often not clearly understood. This article presents a rationale and recommended best practice procedures for the screening, identification, and diagnosis of specific learning disabilities in Ontario for children aged 4 to 8 years. A clarification of key terms, challenges to diagnostic accuracy, and implications of recommended improvements to current practice are articulated.