Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: The Syndrome and the Model [Hardcover]

Byron P. Rourke (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0898623782 | ISBN-13: 978-0898623789 | Publication Date: May 5, 1989 | Edition: 1

Nonverbal Learning Disabilities systematically identifies, describes, and explains the elements and dynamics of the nonverbal learning disabilities (NLD) syndrome. In addition, this groundbreaking work explores the ramifications of the NLD syndrome for both the theoretical and applied aspects of the neuropsychology of learning disabilities in particular, and for the field of child-clinical neuropsychology in general. Following an introductory overview, in which the development of a theory of the NLD syndrome is placed in its historical context, there is an informative survey of the different approaches that have been employed to determine the neuropsychological characteristics of various learning-disability subtypes. Examined here are criteria for the designation of children as nonverbal learning disabled. Also highlighted is another important focus of recent investigative efforts: the socio-emotional disturbances of learning-disabled children. To better understand the clinical implications of the NLD syndrome, several case studies of children and adolescents are presented, along with the results of their comprehensive neuropsychological examinations. Subsequent chapters are all devoted to an in-depth examination of the NLD syndrome - its characteristics (both assets and deficits), dynamics, and manifestations. Also discussed are the theoretical principles, developmental mechanisms, theoretical and clinical implications, and empirical tests of the Rourke (1987) NLD model. For child-clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, school psychologists, child psychiatrists, paediatric neurologists, and others involved with the learning impaired, this book provides a complete and authoritative account of the identification and classification of the NLD syndrome.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Byron P. Rourke is Professor of Psychology and University Professor at the University of Windsor and a member of the faculty of the Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University. Past President of the International Neuropsychological Society and of the Division of Clinical Neuropsychology of the American Psychological Association, he is cofounder and coeditor of the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology,The Clinical Neuropsychologist and Child Neuropsychology and serves on the editorial boards of a number of scientific and professional journals. He was the 1994 recipient of the Canadian Psychological Association's Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Practice of Psychology. His authored, coauthored, and edited books include Nonverbal Learning Disabilities Child Neuropsychology Learning Disabilities and Psychosocial Functioning Neuropsychological Validation of Learning Disability Subtypes Neuropsychological Assessment of Children Neuropsychology of Learning Disabilities.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 253 pages
• Publisher: Guilford Press; 1 edition (May 5, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898623782
• ISBN-13: 978-0898623789
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,473,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Slow going..., April 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: The Syndrome and the Model (Hardcover)

Although this book is considered one of the seminal works describing Non-verbal Learning Disabilities, and the data are quite informative, I find the writing heavy and laborious. It's probably worth slogging through it if you have a professional interest, but, otherwise, look for something more accessible.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat informative..., August 5, 2004

By 

Tara Marshall "Tara" (Phoenix, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: The Syndrome and the Model (Hardcover)

If you're willing to work to slog through it. However, Rourke is guilty of ignoring data that don't fit his view of NVLD/NLD. For example, he states repeatedly that the line between HFA (high-functioning autism) and Asperger's Syndrome is so blurred that the two should not be characterized as different conditions. On the same sort of muddy evidence, however, he claims that NLD is a separate condition for Asperger's Syndrome: despite the near identical "required symptoms" for the two conditions, despite the shared common comorbidities (such as dyscalculia, dysgraphia, depression, problems with visuo-spatial orientation, sensory integration disorder, etc., etc.), and despite extensive research including a study by Klin and Volkmar (much admired researchers in the field of autism and Asperger's) that showed that some 80% of their Asperger's clients at the Yale Child Study Center diagnostically "overlapped" with the NLD criteria proposed by Rourke.

Rourke has proposed guidelines for diagnosing NLD for the next revision of the ICD-10. This, of course, assumes that NLD continues to be classified separately from Asperger's Syndrome, and not as a "milder version".

I, by the way, have two professional diagnoses of Asperger's Syndrome, and another professional diagnosis of NLD with Asperger's Characteristics.