Adult Learning Disabilities and ADHD: Research-Informed Assessment

by Robert L. Mapou

Overview

Based on the author's popular workshop, this concise volume provides scientific and practical guidance on assessing learning disabilities and ADHD in adults. It includes instructions for accessing the author's downloadable PowerPoints, as well as a Continuing Education component (3 credits) that is administered by the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology. Topics include definitions of disability (including legal definitions), assessment, and management approaches (from medications and therapy to educational and workplace accommodations), and assistive technology and software. Three case examples are provided, along with a sample report. The book is aimed at clinical neuropsychologists and clinical psychologists who are involved in the assessment and management of adults with learning disabilities and ADHD.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199707508
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	12/03/2008
Series:	AACN Workshop Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

Table of Contents

iContents/iiContributors/iContinuing Education CreditsAuthor's Workshop Materials1. What is a Disability? What is a Learning Disability? 2. Research on Learning Disabilities in Adults3. Research on ADHD in Adults4. Research-Informed Assessment of Adult Learning Disabilities and ADHD5. Client Feedback and Documentation6. Accommodations and Interventions7. Case ExamplesAppendix- Sample ReportReferencesIndexAbout the Author

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Christopher J Graver, PhD, ABPP-CN(Madigan Healthcare System)
Description: The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology's Oxford Workshop Series is essential for any neuropsychologist's library. This latest in the series focuses on the neuropsychological assessment of patients with learning disabilities and/or ADHD.
Purpose: The neuropsychological assessment of learning disabilities and ADHD has exploded in the last two decades, thanks in part to the numerous students seeking accommodations in college and for standardized exams such as the SAT. This book reviews the literature on adult learning disabilities and ADHD, assessment techniques, feedback, and accommodations/interventions.
Audience: Clinical neuropsychologists are the primary audience. Clinicians in related fields may find it of interest, but the complexities and nuances may be lost on readers without a thorough knowledge of neuropsychology. The author is well versed in this area.
Features: The book begins with an introduction to these disorders and two chapters that review the literature on adult ADHD and learning disabilities, respectively. These are well written and include information about diagnostic challenges, including feigned impairment. Chapter 4 contains additional information regarding the assessment of these disorders, which includes a discussion of diagnostic criteria and their appropriateness, or lack thereof, in adults versus children. Critical areas of cognitive and psychosocial assessment are summarized for each disorder. The next chapter is filled with practical advice about report writing and the relevant regulations for obtaining accommodations, as well as common reasons why requests for accommodations are denied. The more hands-on aspect of treatment/accommodation techniques is covered next, and readers will find a wealth of suggestions. To round out the book, the extensive final chapter is saturated with case examples that include background information and assessment scores. Chapters all include introductions, bulleted summary points, and summary tables. References are on target and current.
Assessment: This extremely accessible book not only provides a cogent review of the literature, but also delves into the practical aspects of assessing adult ADHD and learning disabilities. For students and experienced clinicians alike, this book offers a valuable learning experience.

Doody's Review Service

"Adult Learning Disabilities and ADHD is a clinically rich reference book that is comprehensive in its coverage of issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of learning and attention disorders in adults. A particular strength is the extensive and practical discussion of assessment methods for adults and their illustration in case examples. Dr. Mapou also reviews the scant evidence based on adults with these disorders and links this research to the richer evidence-base on children. The material on accommodations for adults is a must-read for practicing clinicians faced with the common problem of evaluating adults requesting accommodations, with extensive guidance on how to conduct evaluations that will meet guidelines from different agencies and determining accommodations that are potentially implementable in a variety of settings." —Jack M. Fletcher, PhD, ABPP, Distinguished University Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Houston

"Thorough, honest and engaging, Adult Learning Disabilities and ADHD gives keen insight into the complexity of comprehensive neuropsychological assessment of adults with LD and ADHD; it is both respectful of research while acknowledging just how much we still don't know about the way these disorders manifest in people's lives. Reconciling clinical practice with the rigidity of current legal interpretations can be challenging - Mapou presents a holistic approach to resolving the seeming contradictions." —Jo Anne Simon, JD, Adjunct Associate Professor, Fordham University School of Law

"Dr. Robert Mapou provides readers with an up-to-date view of the complexities of LD/ADHD adult assessment in a clear and concise manner. His years of diagnostic experience are bolstered by relevant research findings that are woven throughout the text. Each chapter includes helpful summary points that underscore the key points discussed in the book and are further illustrated by a variety in-depth case studies written by the author. Mapou is able to speak directly to evaluators who write diagnostic reports as well as to the consumers who are seeking answers regarding their disability. He is an artisan who knows how to build reports that are diagnostically sound, relevant and practical."—Loring C. Brinckerhoff, PhD, Higher Education and Disability Consultant

"...impressive...Dr. Mapou proposes a provocative new definition of learning disability for adults and shows how empirical research findings drive assessment of learning disabilities and ADHD in adulthood. A clear distinction is drawn between the neuropsychological view of learning disabilities and ADHD as disorders and the legal view of them as disabilities. Dr. Mapou's substantial knowledge and experience also inform the unique and valuable discussions of documentation; accommodations; assistive technology; and interventions."—Mariellen Fischer, PhD, ABPP/CN, Co-author, ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says

"This extremely accessible book not only provides a cogent review of the literature, but also delves into the practical aspects of assessing adult ADHD and learning disabilities. For students and experienced clinicians alike, this book offers a valuable learning experience."—Doody's, a 5-star review!

"In summary, these two excellent volumes are extremely useful reading for neuropsychologists in research, practice, and training to use a authoritative sources of evidence-based practice in the evaluation and treatment of adults with learning disabilities or ADHD...These books provide an excellent foundation in understanding the evolution of these disorders and how to foster successful outcomes." —Journal of International Neuropsychological Society

"...I highly recommend this book to both students and practitioners who are called upon to assess adults for learning disabilities and ADHD. This text provides ample foundation and background not only for assessment of disability, but the need to consider malingering. Assessment is clearly linked to accommodations and intervention. Most importantly, assessment and recommendations are presented in the context of client feedback and follow-up. Each chapter ends with "key points" that may be particularly useful to students or those who do not routinely work with adults." —Cynthis A. Riccio, Texas A&M University, TX

"Robert Mapou has written a concise, practical, and insightful book about conducting research-informed assessments of adult learning disabilities and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)...Overall it is an excellent handbook on the nuts and bolts of conducting a high standard of learning disability assessments..." —Psychology Press

From the Publisher