Abstract
Objective:
Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is characterized by a spectrum of cognitive disorders ranging from the sensory and perceptual to learning and memory. However, SLD is examined using only a selected group of subtests in the SLD Battery. SLD is frequently observed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) comorbidity. The objective was find out the profiles of SLD, comorbid ADHD with SLD (SLD+ADHD) and control group using the SLD Battery.
Method:
Sample consisted of 78 boys who were equivalently distributed over Grades 1-5 of the primary school. They were diagnosed with SLD or SLD + ADHD according to DSM- IV criteria in a child psychiatry clinic between September 2006 and December 2008. Control group consisted of 30 age-matched healthy boys. Alongside SLD Battery, Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children, Learning Disorder Symptom Screening Scale and DSM–IV Based Disruptive Behavior Disorders Screening and Rating Scale were also used.
Results:
One-way multivariate analysis of variance showed that the SLD Battery scores of the clinical samples were not significantly different. There were significant differences between the clinical samples and the control groups on Reading and Writing Tests, ordering skills (letters of alphabet, days, months), Gessel Figures and Draw a Clock Test. Groups did not significantly differ on the Harris Lateralization Tests.
Discussion:
The results of the present study showed that SLD Battery can be used for a multi-faceted description of children and in diagnoses of disorders that involve SLD.
Keywords: Specific learning disability (SLD), Comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with SLD, SLD Battery
