The Visual Brain and Peripheral Reading and Writing Disorders: A Guide to Visual System Dysfunction for Speech-Language Pathologists familiarizes the reader with the complex workings of the human visual system, the motor and sensory components of normal vision as they relate to the recognition of letters and words, and to the acquisition and rehabilitation of reading and writing.

This text brings together findings from the neuropsychological, neurooptometric, neurolinguistic, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology literature on acquired visual system impairment from the past 20+ years, and the ways visual system dysfunction impacts reading, writing, and cognition.

Chapters Include:

• Review of structural elements of the eye, the cortical and subcortical structures of the visual brain, and the motor and sensory components of normal vision
• The distinct functions of the three primary visual pathways (central, peripheral and retinotectal) and how they relate to reading and writing
• Review of five formal tests of reading and writing that are designed or may be adapted to assess peripheral reading and writing disorders
• And much more!

A few of the features inside:

• Figures illustrating the various components of the visual brain that are engaged when we read and write
• Information on visual system deficits in left hemisphere lesions with and without aphasia
• Detailed descriptions of peripheral reading disorders and associated error patterns
• Diagnostic criteria for three different types of neglect (viewer-centered, stimulus-centered, object-centered)
• Description of treatment materials and methods suited to clients with acquired dyslexia due to visual system dysfunction

The Visual Brain and Peripheral Reading and Writing Disorders explains the heterogenous nature of peripheral reading and writing disorders, describes the association between visual motor and sensory dysfunction and the acquired dyslexias, and provides the speech-language pathologist with specific guidelines regarding the assessment and treatment of reading and writing disorders associated with visual system dysfunction.

About the Author

Heidi McMartin Heeringa, MS, CCC-SLP is a speech-language pathologist with 36 years experience working with adult clients with dysphagia, aphasia, apraxia, and cognitive-communicative dysfunction in the rehabilitation setting. Acquired reading disorders and the relationship between visual system dysfunction and cognitive-communicative function are areas of special interest and expertise. The author holds a bachelor's degree in linguistics and master of science in speech-language pathology from the University of Michigan. Other publications by this author include A Manual for the Treatment of Reading and Writing Disorders (2002) and the Assessment of Language-Related Functional Activities (Baines, Martin, & McMartin Heeringa, 1999).

Reviews

"There is enough information packed into this small text to cover a whole career . . . It is an essential addition to the professional, clinical library."
-Kathleen A. Baines, MS, CCC-SLP, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea

"This book is a fantastic resource for any Speech Language Pathologist, in any type of work environment, be that a clinic, classroom, or hospital."
-Dawn M. Peterson, B.A. Speech Language Pathology and Linguistics

"This book would be a benefit to new or seasoned speech language pathologists working with patients who have neurological deficits."
-Michelle K. Fowke CCC-SLP

Book Information
ISBN 9781630915414
Author Heidi Heeringa
Format Paperback
Page Count 124
Imprint SLACK Incorporated
Publisher SLACK Incorporated
Weight(grams) 272g