Perspectives on the Classification of Specific Developmental Disorders
is an up-to-date review of the controversy surrounding the
classification of such disparate disorders as reading, spelling,
writing, and language disorders. Severe and specific impairments in
these functions do exist and appear to follow a developmental course.
How to identify children presenting with such problems and how to
operationalize the disorders has long challenged professionals. This
text grew from an international symposium held in the Netherlands, but
all chapters have been specially prepared for the publication. Described
in the foreword by Sir Michael Rutter, FRS, as ` ... thoughtful and
well informed discussions ... that may serve as a basis for a
problem-solving set of both research strategies and practical steps that
will ensure real resolutions of the dilemmas outlined here', the text
should serve as a stimulating source for debate of the many issues
involved.