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Assessing Impairment pp 5–14Cite as

Measurement of Symptom Severity and Impairment

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Abstract

Brenda, a fifth grader with a measured IQ in the gifted range (135), has reading skills that are only slightly above average (a standard score of 108). There is a significant discrepancy between her ability and her level of achievement. Does this mean that Brenda has a learning disability in the area of reading? Is a score of 108 a deficit in relation to most people? The reading score may be a relative weakness, but does Brenda need special education services and test accommodations?

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, 13244, USA

    Lawrence J. Lewandowski

  2. Department of Psychology, Elmira College, Elmira, New York, 14901, USA

    Benjamin J. Lovett

  3. Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Health Science Center, Syracuse, New York, 13210, USA

    Michael Gordon Ph.D.

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  1. Lawrence J. Lewandowski
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  2. Benjamin J. Lovett
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  3. Michael Gordon Ph.D.
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    Lewandowski, L.J., Lovett, B.J., Gordon, M. (2009). Measurement of Symptom Severity and Impairment. In: Naglieri, J., Goldstein , S. (eds) Assessing Impairment. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-387-87542-2_2

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