The development of a child learning disability screening questionnaire: a pilot study

The identification of learning disability in children can be problematic, especially for those with significant intellectual impairment (Hamilton 2006, Siminoff et al 2006). However, early diagnosis can be crucial in terms of the child’s learning and everyday functioning (Herbert 2006), with early intervention helping to improve difficulties in communication and self-care skills (Chadwick et al 2005). In addition, diagnosis can help parents and others make sense of the child’s behaviours and difficulties, guide intervention and identify support needs (Goodman and Linn 2003).