Understanding developmental disorders : a causal modelling approach /

The study of developmental disorders is handicapped by the conflicting claims of biological, cognitive and behavioural disciplines/levels/methods. The authors tackle this problem by means of a visually compelling notation, causal modelling. This notation enables the three levels to be kept separate...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Morton, John, 1933-
Format: eBook
Language:English
Published: Malden, MA ; Oxford : Blackwell Pub., 2004.
Subjects:
Online Access:Connect to the full text of this electronic book
Description
Summary:The study of developmental disorders is handicapped by the conflicting claims of biological, cognitive and behavioural disciplines/levels/methods. The authors tackle this problem by means of a visually compelling notation, causal modelling. This notation enables the three levels to be kept separate and to be seen in relation to each other. Causal modelling allows the expression of any theory that can be verbally fomulated. The starting point is the work of the CDU on autism, where the notation allows the expression of the multiple biological origin, the tight cognitive focus and the confusing behavioural variability associated with that condition. The notation then makes it easy to compare and contrast current theories. Developmental dyslexia is another disorder where the causal modelling approach has proved illuminating. It is here that the role of the environment on development becomes clear. The technique also turns out to be valuable in clarifying diagnostic practice. This is demonstrated here through analysis of hyperactivity, anti-social personality disorder and schizophrenia.
Physical Description:1 online resource (xiii, 300 pages) : illustrations
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references (pages 273-291) and indexes.
ISBN:9780470694312
0470694319