Learning Disorders Across the Lifespan: A Mental Health Framework

The book emphasizes the need to view specific learning disorders (SLDs) within a mental health framework, as supported by their placement alongside autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the DSM-5. It reviews empirical research that suggests children need access to treatment for clinical components of SLDs that may respond to psychological intervention separately from, and in addition to, educational interventions. It provides a theoretical framework for organizing research findings and clinical perspectives that support understanding the clinical components of SLDs and addresses the need for a mental health framework to approach theory, treatment, and assessment of SLDs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the crucial need to perceive specific learning disorders (SLDs) within a comprehensive mental health framework, as advocated by their inclusion alongside autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). It explores how policy and practice adopt a distinct viewpoint, emphasizing that SLDs are frequently treated as educational rather than psychological issues. Furthermore, it examines the profound implications of this dichotomy, shedding light on the potential gaps in treatment and support. The book conducts a comprehensive review of empirical research, highlighting the importance of providing treatment for the clinical components of SLDs that may respond to psychological intervention independently of, and in conjunction with, educational interventions. It presents a theoretical framework for organizing and synthesizing research findings and clinical perspectives, aimed at enhancing our understanding of the clinical aspects of SLDs. This book underscores the imperative of establishing a mental health framework that encompasses theory, treatment, and assessment of SLDs.

Key areas of coverage in this comprehensive text include:

Examination of diverse theoretical orientations to learning disorders, encompassing cognitive, behavioral, neuropsychoeducational, and psychoanalytic perspectives.

Adaptation of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to effectively address the needs of children and adolescents with learning disorders.

The significance of accurate and thorough assessment of SLDs, recognizing the importance of comprehensive evaluation methods.

Exploration of how incorporating a cognitive neuroscience perspective into assessment can propel advancements in learning disorder treatment and research.

Learning Disorders Across the Lifespan serves as an indispensable resource for clinicians, therapists, professionals, researchers, professors, and graduate students in the fields of school and clinical child psychology, special education, speech-language therapy, and development. By integrating a mental health perspective into the study and treatment of SLDs, this book contributes to a more holistic and effective approach to addressing the diverse needs of individuals with these disorders.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031217715
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023