ABSTRACT

The multiple deficit model (MDM) was proposed because the prevailing single deficit model provided an inadequate account of atypical neuropsychological development. Across methods and levels of analysis, there has been support for the two fundamental tenets of the MDM, that multiple predictors contribute probabilistically to neurodevelopmental disorders and shared risk factors contribute to comorbidity. Diagnostically, the multiplicity of factors means that no single cognitive deficit or combination of deficits can be used to rule in or out most neurodevelopmental disorders. Challenges for the MDM are that the theory is difficult to falsify and that current cross-sectional studies cannot establish causality. Prospects for further development of the MDM include incorporating an explicit focus on promotive and protective factors and pursuing mechanistic connections between multiple factors across levels of analysis.

摘要

之所以提出多重缺陷模型（MDM），是因为普遍的单一缺陷模型无法充分说明非典型神经心理学的发展。在各种方法和分析级别中，都支持MDM的两个基本原则，即多个预测因素概率性地导致神经发育障碍，而共有的危险因素则导致合并症。在诊断上，多种因素意味着不能使用任何认知缺陷或缺陷组合来排除或排除大多数神经发育障碍。MDM面临的挑战是该理论难以证伪，并且当前的横断面研究无法确定因果关系。