Rules for the classification of younger children with nonverbal learning disabilities and basic phonological processing disabilities.

Rules for the classification of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD) and Basic Phonological Processing Disabilities (BPPD) that had been generated and tested on older children (ages 9-15) were applied to younger children (ages 7-8). The goal was to evaluate the applicability of these classification rules for a younger population with NLD and BPPD, and to make revisions if necessary. These rules were used to differentiate these two subtypes of learning disabilities using levels and patterns of performance on motor/psychomotor, tactile/perceptual, visual-spatial, auditory-perceptual, problem solving, and language measures. An experienced child-clinical neuropsychologist classified each child. Only those children who received a classification of NLD or BPPD by the neuropsychologist and those who met criteria for definite or probable NLD and BPPD as defined by the rules were used in this study. Revisions were made to these rules for younger children. Revised rules allow for their use as a source of information to assist a clinician in deciding whether a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation would be valuable. They may also be useful for research purposes.

Neuropsychological characteristics of juvenile delinquency.

Knowledge of the neuropsychological characteristics related to JD and other behavioral disturbances in childhood is an important aspect of pediatric care. Referral of patients with developing behavioral problems for neuropsychological evaluation may assist pediatricians with identifying neuropsychological risk factors for JD, clarifying differential diagnostic questions, providing information for the nature of intervention efforts, and providing useful predictive tools for long-term planning and outcome. Thus, referrals for neuropsychological evaluation should not occur solely within the context of a patient with known central nervous system compromise. Neuropsychological results may be of benefit with disorders wherein the precise brain-behavior relationship is unclear, such as with JD. Once a child's neuropsychological characteristics are known and evaluated from a behavioral risk standpoint, pediatricians will have information that is pivotal to asserting recommendations for modifications to the home and school environments, as well as for direct intervention and treatment. The direction of future neuropsychological research includes the early identification of children and adolescents with potential behavioral disturbance. Accurate early differential diagnosis and knowledge of neuropsychological risk factors help to achieve this goal. Neuropsychological research and knowledge assist with understanding the complexities of interactions between environmental vulnerabilities and neuropsychological risk factors, and can provide useful predictive and preventative information for pediatricians.