PRACTICE PARAMETERS FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH LANGUAGE AND LEARNING-DISORDERS

These parameters describe the aims and approach to diagnosis, treatmen t, and monitoring of children and adolescents with language and learni ng disorders (LLDs). LLDs are among the most common developmental diso rders the clinician is likely to encounter. About 50% of children with an LLD also have a comorbid Axis I psychiatric disorder. The diagnosi s of an LLD requires a discrepancy, based on age and intelligence, bet ween potential and achievement. The clinician collaborates with parent s and school personnel to clarify the diagnosis, implement appropriate treatment and remediation, and monitor progress. The clinician is ins trumental in identifying and treating comorbid conditions, including d etermining the appropriateness of medication. Long-term prognosis depe nds on the type and severity of the LLD, the availability of remediati on, and the presence of a supportive family and school environment.