This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Kavale, K. A. Articles by Forness, S. R. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Kavale, K. A. Articles by Forness, S. R. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

What Definitions of Learning Disability Say and Don't Say

A Critical Analysis

Special Education, N235 Lindquist Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1529

Steven R. Forness

University Affiliated Program in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities at the University of California, Los Angeles

In this article, we analyze critically available definitions of learning disability (LD). The general problem of definition is discussed first followed by a discussion of individual LD definitions from the earliest to the latest. We conclude that LD definitions fail to provide substantive insight into the nature of the condition. The reasons for this failure are discussed in relation to the nature of definition and the difficulties in providing operational definitions of LD that are meaningful and significant. Finally, means for resolving the problem of definition are discussed.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. L. Decker Intervention Psychometrics: Using Norm-Referenced Methods for Treatment Planning and Monitoring Assessment for Effective Intervention, December 1, 2008; 34(1): 52 - 61. [Abstract] [PDF]

				R. L. Sparks Is There a "Disability" for Learning a Foreign Language? J Learn Disabil, December 1, 2006; 39(6): 544 - 557. [Abstract] [PDF]

				P. A. McDermott, M. M. Goldberg, M. W. Watkins, J. L. Stanley, and J. J. Glutting A Nationwide Epidemiologic Modeling Study of LD: Risk, Protection, and Unintended Impact J Learn Disabil, June 1, 2006; 39(3): 230 - 251. [Abstract] [PDF]

				G. M. Batsche, K. A. Kavale, and J. F. Kovaleski Competing Views: A Dialogue on Response to Intervention Assessment for Effective Intervention, January 1, 2006; 32(1): 6 - 19. [Abstract] [PDF]

				K. A. Kavale Identifying Specific Learning Disability: Is Responsiveness to Intervention the Answer? J Learn Disabil, December 1, 2005; 38(6): 553 - 562. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. Desoete, H. Roeyers, and A. De Clercq Children with Mathematics Learning Disabilities in Belgium J Learn Disabil, February 1, 2004; 37(1): 50 - 61. [Abstract] [PDF]

				E. H. Kroesbergen, J. E. H. Van Luit, and J. A. Naglieri Mathematical Learning Difficulties and PASS Cognitive Processes J Learn Disabil, December 1, 2003; 36(6): 574 - 582. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. A. Sofie and C. A. Riccio A Comparison of Multiple Methods for the Identification of Children with Reading Disabilities J Learn Disabil, May 1, 2002; 35(3): 234 - 244. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M. W. Watkins, J. C. Kush, and B. A. Schaefer Diagnostic Utility of the Learning Disability Index J Learn Disabil, March 1, 2002; 35(2): 98 - 103. [Abstract] [PDF]

				C. L. Carlson, J. E. Booth, M. Shin, and W. H. Canu Parent-, Teacher-, and Self-Rated Motivational Styles in ADHD Subtypes J Learn Disabil, March 1, 2002; 35(2): 104 - 113. [Abstract] [PDF]

				M. A. Pentyliuk Parental Perceptions of the Affects of Learning Disabilities Assessment on Family Adaptation Canadian Journal of School Psychology, January 1, 2002; 17(2): 15 - 29. [Abstract] [PDF]