The publication of this very important volume comes at a timely juncture in the history of learning disabilities. The focus of this volume is on developing a multidisciplinary understanding of the complexities of the
research on learning disabilities and its various sUbtypes. It also will serve as an important compendium of the subtyping literature, particularly with respect to pertinent issues of nosology, specific sUbtyping models,
neuro­ psychological diagnosis, and treatment. As the authors so correctly suggest, the differential diagnosis of learning disabilities subtypes is a critical first step in developing theoretically sound programs of
psychoeducational intervention. Clearly, one must have some idea about the general abilities of a child before realistic expectations can be charted. Also, how can one plan a program of intervention without some knowledge of
the deficient components of achievement within a do­ main? Does it not make both conceptual and practical sense to identify an individual's relative strengths and weaknesses so that abilities or strengths can be utilized to
optimize functioning in areas of deficit? Although these all sound like reasonable precursors to assisting individuals in need of academic assistance, there are those who would argue otherwise. Impor­ tantly, however, the
Director of the National Institutes of Health, in a recent report to Congress, advocates exactly what this volume proposes. Indeed, there are important needs to be addressed, and the literature reviewed herein strongly
supports the conclusions drawn by these authors.