Learning Disabilities

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-Edwards defines autism and outlines theories of its causes and current treatments. Separate chapters deal with this disorder in children and adults. One chapter describes Asperger's syndrome and the autistic savant, citing stories of famous people such as Glenn Gould. Girod describes four major types of learning disabilities and includes discussions on diagnosis, coping with a learning disability, and current controversies. There is a vague reference to "a federal law" of 1969 but little else about the legal ramifications of being diagnosed with this type of disability. Some success stories, including Cher's overcoming her inability to read songs and scripts, are included. The black-and-white photos scattered throughout both books are functional. Elizabeth Russell Connelly's A World Upside Down and Backwards (Chelsea, 2001), which covers reading and learning disorders, is better organized and contains more engaging photos.-Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.