602. Learning Disorders Aren’t Actually “Specific” w/ Dr. Robin Peterson

Click here to read the transcript Today, I welcome back pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Robin Peterson to explore why our field continues to struggle with defining and diagnosing learning disorders. We examine the limitations of traditional diagnostic frameworks, such as the IQ-achievement discrepancy model and pattern of strengths and weaknesses (PSW) approaches, while discussing why a conceptual shift toward developmental learning disabilities may better serve children. Robin breaks down the high comorbidity between reading disorders and ADHD, addresses the clinical nuances of identifying learning disorders in high-IQ individuals, and candidly details the current measurement challenges surrounding complex written expression. Our conversation offers actionable guidance for clinicians seeking to balance rigorous empirical evidence with meaningful patient advocacy. Main Topics 05:22: Why the field continues to struggle with defining and diagnosing learning disorders 13:24: Questioning the specificity of learning disabilities and the limits of traditional models 18:10: Navigating the high comorbidity between dyslexia and ADHD in clinical practice 23:56: Diagnosing broad learning difficulties versus isolated academic skill deficits 39:01: Evaluating the validity of Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) and Response to Intervention (RTI) 49:58: Identifying learning disorders in high-IQ populations and defining clinical impairment 56:46: Deconstructing writing disorders, basic mechanics versus complex written expression Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb : the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Guilford Press: www.guilford.com Children’s Hospital Colorado: www.childrenscolorado.org International Dyslexia Association: www.dyslexiaida.org American Psychiatric Association DSM-5-TR: www.psychiatry.org U.S. Department of Education IDEA Information: www.sites.ed.gov/idea Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s! I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit <a hre