Procedural learning difficulties: reuniting the developmental disorders?

Roderick I. Nicolson*, Angela J. Fawcett

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (journal)peer-review

278 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

During the past 30 years, research into developmental disorders has fragmented, emphasizing differences rather than commonalities. We propose that reunification might be achieved by using a 'neural-systems' approach. Deficits in dyslexia are attributed to an intact declarative learning system combined with an impaired procedural learning system - a network that includes prefrontal language systems and basal ganglia, parietal and cerebellar structures. A typology is provided for other prevalent learning disabilities; this framework focuses on different learning skills in the understanding of learning disabilities and emphasizes the diagnostic significance of 'secondary' symptoms. This approach highlights the need for development of 'neurocognitive' tests to probe the function of components of each neural system and improve strategies for explanation, diagnosis and support of developmental disorders.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)135-141
Number of pages7
JournalTrends in Neurosciences
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2007

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