A.  This portion of the screen provides for anecdotal information that might provide additional input in deciding whether further diagnostic testing is indicated – particularly in cases where the cut off score hovers “around 50”.  In some cases, information on extenuating circumstances would allude to other variables such as chronic seizure disorder, lack of formal education, significant patterns of substance abuse that may affect subsequent neuropsychological testing. In addition, it is felt that informality of these questions assist the examiner in developing a rapport prior to the actual validated screen, and would, therefore, increase the likelihood of self-disclosure on behalf of the examinee.  

Q.  Why does the screen ask for health-related information?  

A.  These kinds of questions document variables or conditions that are often association with impaired cognitive functioning. However, it is noted that these questions by themselves are not indicative of any learning or other cognitive disorder.    

Q.  Who will have access to the information gained from administering the screen?  

A.  Any and all information gathered from the screen is confidential and cannot be released without prior written consent of the individual being screened. The examiner should adhere to agency policy and procedures regarding disclosure of client information.  

Q.  On the backside of the screen, what do the numerical values in the yes/no column mean?  

A.  Simply put, the numerical values merely represent “point values” that are assigned to each individual question as the result of statistical analysis.  Each question possess a different point value given that some questions are stronger indicators of learning difficulties than others. The “stronger” questions will have higher point values regardless of whether they may be yes or no questions.  

Q.  Why do some questions have point values under “NO” and some questions have point values under “YES”?  

A.  Again, the point value is association with whatever response indicates learning difficulties. For some questions a “NO” indicates a higher likelihood of a learning disability; for others a “YES” response indicates a higher likelihood of a learning disability.  For example, for Questions 5 and 10, it would seem contradictory to assign point values to these responses. However, when the screen was developed, these are the responses that folks diagnosed with LD tended to give to these particular questions.  In other words, these questions are “statistically” useful precisely because that is the way these questions were validated in the research.  

Q.  How is Question 7 to be recorded in a “YES”/”NO format?  

A.  If the examinee replies that he/she “only reads when I have to”, this would be recorded as a “YES” answer.  On the other hand, if the examinee indicates that they “read a lot”, or “like to read”, this would be scored as “NO”.  

Q.  How is this screen sensitive to the various Latino cultures and dialects that represent the Hispanic population in the United States ?  

A.  The screen was validated across a representative sample of Hispanic subgroups currently residing in the United States .  Linguistically, the screen does not embrace any particular dialect and is written using a standard form of Spanish that is mutually understood by all speakers. The subject sample was drawn from Latino populations comprised of Mexicans, Central Americans, South Americans and the Caribbean islands of Puerto Rico , Cuba and the Dominican Republic .   

Q.  If a cut-off score is much higher than 50, does that indicate a higher likelihood of a learning disability?

 A. The screen is not intended to be implemented as a diagnostic tool. However, since point values relate to the likelihood of a learning disability, the higher departure of a score over 50 correlates to a higher probability of a learning disability or other developmental cognitive impairment. 

Q.  Where can I refer an individual for a more evaluative diagnostic assessment?  

A.  It is probably a good idea to gather information relative to licensed psychologists who are available to administer psychometric or psychoeducational testing in your area. Given the shortage of bilingual Spanish/English psychologists, many will use a trained diagnostic technician to administer testing.  A list of qualified professionals can be found from the American Psychological Association or from a local directory.  

Q.  Who do I contact for more information?  

A.  You may e-mail your questions or comments to:  assessment@ldaofwny.org