 | Florence accommodationThe Objective Diagnosis of Minimal Brain Dysfunction A Diagnostic Battery That Assesses MBD Without Resorting to Speculation, Hearsay, or the Examiners Impressions |
HIGHLIGHTS |
| One of the primary reasons for the widespread confusion that exists regarding diagnosis of the neurologically based learning disabilities (MBD) is the failure of many examiners to utilize objective diagnostic criteria. All too often labels such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, poor attention span, distractibility, motor coordination deficit, and reading disability are applied on the basis of the most subjective (and often hearsay) information. In this volume, Dr. Gardner describes in detail the diagnostic battery that he has built up during his experience working with such children. He includes some of the tests commonly used in such batteries and adds many of his own. Some of his own instruments have been standardized on populations as large as 1,500 children. The one criterion that had to be satisfied before a test could be included in Dr. Gardners battery was that objective data be available to enable the examiner to quantify a finding. Accordingly, test scores described in this volume can most often be expressed in terms of means, standard deviation, age equivalents, percentile ranks, etc. Specific instructions are provided for each test, because the book is designed to enable the examiner to perform the tests himself (herself); the book is not designed merely to provide a general description of the evaluative instruments. The whole range of signs and symptoms, traditionally considered to be manifestations of MBD, are included. A variety of tests are warranted to reach the conclusion that pathology in the particular area does or does not exist. Although designed primarily for child psychiatrists, pediatricians, child psychologists, and pediatric neurologists, others involved in diagnosing the neurologically based learning disabilities will find this book valuable. |
| The Objective Diagnosis of Minimal Brain Dysfunction BK17, Hrdcvr, Index, 452 pp $20.00 |