Rethinking Learning Disabilities: Understanding Children Who Struggle in School

Rethinking Learning Disabilities provided a useful framework for my graduate-level learning disabilities course. The research studies cited were compelling and clearly explained, and students appreciated the experience-near clinical case examples. The text deepened our class discussion and helped us maintain focus on the cultural and social context that is paramount in understanding individuals with learning problems. --Sandra T. Mann, PsyD, Center for Professional Psychology, George Washington University

Waber's perspective is sophisticated and exceptional, having evolved from her developmental psychology background, her neuropsychological research, and her applied/practical clinical work. She never oversimplifies (while describing lucidly) the multiple factors from which 'learning disabilities' emerge. --Martha Bridge Denckla, MD, Director, Developmental Cognitive Neurology, Kennedy Krieger Institute; Professor of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

It was with gratitude that I read each chapter of this book, immediately identifying its relevance for graduate students in school psychology, developmental psychology, and special education. Waber's thoughtful case study analyses comprehensively examine each child as a learner in the multiple contexts of his or her life, instead of focusing narrowly on the culture of school. She addresses the individualized education plan and beyond, emphasizing the child's need to develop a sense of identity and self-esteem. This perspective is too often overlooked. --Jane Utley Adelizzi, PhD, Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology

Waber brings a much-needed lifespan developmental perspective to bear on both science and practice in the field of learning disabilities. This book is 'must' reading for anyone interested in how advances in cognitive neuroscience are changing the way we think about the many children who struggle in school, and how this new science can lead to more humane, individualized education for all children. --Bruce F. Pennington, PhD, Distinguished University Professor of Psychology, University of Denver

Waber's wise and thoughtful book is a revelation. Most books about learning disabilities are too narrowly focused on one aspect of the problem to understand or address it meaningfully. As a first-rate neuropsychological researcher, Waber has the ability to consider, and then integrate, all of the parts of the whole child: genetics, neuroscience, development, psychology, epigenetics. As a practicing clinician who sees real children from real schools, she also has the vision to recognize that learning disabilities cannot be adequately understood or remediated by considering only the child. Her developmental approach--addressing the abilities and disabilities of both children and their environments--is clear sighted, refreshing, brilliant, and hopeful. --David Rose, PhD, Chief Education Officer, Center for Applied Special Technology, Wakefield, Massachusetts; Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education