Development and Validation of the Smith Learning Disabilities Screen

Abstract

A learning disabilities (LD) questionnaire was administered to 150 adults including college and university students, and adults referred to a psychoeducational clinic for assessment or treatment related to LD. Factor analysis supported a one-factor model which included items related to eight indicators of LD. A revised screen was administered to 82 participants representing college, university, and clinic groups with and without LD. Scores on the LD screening test were compared with scores on psychometric tests traditionally used in the assessment of LD. The LD screening test was found to have internal consistency and good test-retest reliability, as well as criterion validity. There was a significant difference in the screen scores between those with and without LD. The screen appears to be effective as an instrument to identify adults who are at risk for LD and should be referred for psychoeducational assessments.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Catherine M. Smith

Catherine M. Smith, Ed.D. is a psychoeducational consultant in private practice in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. This article is based on her doctoral research conducted in the Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology in the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, Canada. Judith Wiener, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. Some of her clinical work includes the assessment of adults with learning disabilities. Dr. Wiener does research on various aspects of assessment of children and adults with learning disabilities, and the social and emotional functioning of children with learning disabilities. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Dr. Smith at 2128 Dunedin Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada, L6J 5V3. Electronic mail may be sent via the Internet to [email protected].

Judith Wiener

Catherine M. Smith, Ed.D. is a psychoeducational consultant in private practice in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. This article is based on her doctoral research conducted in the Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology in the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, Canada. Judith Wiener, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Applied Psychology at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. Some of her clinical work includes the assessment of adults with learning disabilities. Dr. Wiener does research on various aspects of assessment of children and adults with learning disabilities, and the social and emotional functioning of children with learning disabilities. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Dr. Smith at 2128 Dunedin Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada, L6J 5V3. Electronic mail may be sent via the Internet to [email protected].