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 this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!

About Dr. Robin Peterson

Robin Peterson is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado and an associate professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She has clinical and research interests in neurodevelopmental disorders and acquired brain injuries. She has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and is co-author of the books Diagnosing Learning Disorders: From Science to Practice and Pediatric Neuropsychology (3rd edition): Research, Theory, and Practice from Guilford Press. She is active in teaching and training graduate students, interns, and postdoctoral fellows. Prior to becoming a neuropsychologist, she taught kindergarten and first grade.

Get in touch:

Email: [email protected]

About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental