2012年7月21日 星期六

ADHD Test - Screening for Learning Disorders


Children who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder essentially suffer from a developmental delay. It is not uncommon for ADHD children to also experience learning disorders along with chronic hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These learning disorders include dyslexia (problems processing language), sensory integration disorder, and dysgraphia (difficulty writing). A co-morbid learning disorder can probably explain why your ADHD child may have poor school performance and social skills. Due to neurological dysfunctions, children with ADHD understand, receive, and communicate sensory information differently from other children.

Since learning disabilities often occur along with the symptoms of ADHD, most experts and practitioners perform certain tests to identify learning disorders that will be addressed during the course of treatment. Your child might encounter one of the following tests during the first meeting with his or her health care specialist.

Intelligence test

For your child to qualify for special education, he or she will need to take intelligence tests designed to identify learning disorders. Most intelligence tests can give relevant information on the child's problem-solving skills, cognitive functioning, and reasoning. There are two basic types of intelligence tests that screen for certain learning disabilities: tests of nonverbal intelligence (the ability to understand and solve visual and spatial problems) and tests of verbal intelligence (the ability to comprehend and solve written or language-based problems). Intelligence tests take on three basic forms.

1) Group intelligence tests. These are the traditional intelligence tests administered by guidance counselors and learning specialists. The child's cognitive abilities and academic comprehension are assessed by comparing his or her scores to the median scores of his or her age group. Although group intelligence tests are never the basis for diagnosing a learning disability, they help determine if a child will need further testing.

2) Individual intelligence tests. These one-on-one tests involve question-and-answer sessions, timed activities, and game-like puzzles and tasks.

3) Computerized tests. These are similar to individual intelligence tests, except the activities are done via computer software. The advantage of computerized tests is that they can measure the child's comprehension level and responses to stimuli in real time.

The Dyslexia Test 7-16

The Dyslexia Test 7-16 was developed by learning experts from Direct Learning to detect dyslexia in children 7 to 16 years old. The first part of the test is a group intelligence test, where scores from a standardized reading and spelling test will be compared to those of the test taker's age group. Aside from the standardized test, you will have to fill out a standardized questionnaire that asks you to rate the symptoms of dyslexia found in your child. There is also another questionnaire that tests for Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, ADHD, and delayed learning disorder.

Curriculum-based assessment tests

Curriculum-based assessment tests are designed by teachers and guidance counselors to measure the child's level of comprehension when classroom materials are presented. Although these tests do not identify what learning disorder the child has, they are very helpful in spotting the child's problem areas and are useful sources of data for the child's health care specialist.




Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about ADHD tests.





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