Assessment of Language Disorders in Children

By Rebecca J. McCauley

Book Overview

This book constitutes a clear, comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to the basic principles of psychological and educational assessment that underlie effective clinical decisions about childhood language disorders. Rebecca McCauley describes specific commonly used tools, as well as general approaches ranging from traditional standardized norm-referenced testing to more recent ones, such as dynamic and qualitative assessment. Highlighting special considerations in testing and expected patterns of performance, she reviews the challenges presented by children with a variety of problems--specific language impairment, hearing loss, mental retardation, and autism spectrum disorders. Three extended case examples illustrate her discussion of each of these target groups. Her overarching theme is the crucial role of well-formed questions as fundamental guides to decision making, independent of approach. Each chapter features lists of key concepts and terms, study questions, and recommended readings. Tables throughout offer succinct summaries and aids to memory. Students, their instructors, and speech-language pathologists continuing their professional education will all welcome this invaluable new resource. Distinctive features include: A comprehensive consideration of both psychometric and descriptive approaches to the characterization of children's language A detailed discussion of background issues important in the language assessment of the major groups of children with language impairment Timely information on assessment of change--a topic frequently not covered in other texts Extensive guidance on how to evaluate individual norm-referenced measures for adoption An extensive appendix listing about 50 measures used to assess language in children A test review guide that can be reproduced for use by readers.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805825614
• ISBN13: 9780805825619
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: Psychology Press
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.0" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Good value, good service

My gently used textbook was exactly as represented, a great bargain, and arrived quickly. I would definitely use them again.

Great review of statistics for tests!

This is a marvelous review of statistics which a graduate student or professional needs to critically read and evaluate commercial tests. It is equally valuable in devising a test instrument.