Evidence for a right‐hemisphere developmental learning disability

Eleven patients demonstrated striking neuropsychological evidence of right‐hemisphere dysfunction, including severe deficits in nonverbal intellect, visual memory, and visuospatial functions. Verbally mediated abilities were relatively intact. Poor paralinguistic skills, shyness, and chronic emotional and social maladjustment were also characteristic findings. This pattern of cognitive and behavioral functioning was lifelong. Computed tomography studies showed no structural abnormalities in any of the patients' brains. Our data support the conclusion that this constellation of symptomatology represents a developmental learning disability of the right hemisphere. Early detection of this syndrome, particularly with respect to the social deficits, may facilitate specific and efficacious interventions.