The paper presents data suggesting that differential reinforcement procedures can be used to control multiple maladaptive behaviors of severely multihandicapped persons in group situations. Modifications of traditional differential reinforcement scheduling and interval calulations, are introduced. (Author/CL)

Use of lithium with mentally retarded individuals with psychiatric conditions and/or behavior disturbances is discussed. The paper describes components of an adequate clinical trial and reviews case studies and double-blind cases. The paper concludes that aggression is the best indicator for lithium use, and reviews treatment parameters and…

The article offers four assumptions as a philosophical basis for improved parent professional relations in the education of severely/multiply handicapped preschool students. Assumptions focus on family uniqueness, role in multidisciplinary teams, child management, and provision of support. Implications for practice and relevant research are cited.…

This article identifies segments of the deaf-blind population needing additional support to secure and maintain employment, such as the deaf-blind mentally retarded. Supported employment models are described in this context, with special emphasis on the individual placement model and its approaches to job development, worker assessment, training…

This article reviews normal visual development and the role of visual gaze behaviors in attention and social interaction, discusses how the information applies to many multiply handicapped visually impaired children, and describes ways of incorporating this information into assessment and programing. (DB)

This article summarizes major academic problems of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and addresses the extent to which these problems are secondary to ADHD itself, rather than a part of a co-occurring learning or cognitive disability. Recommendations are made for modification of classroom settings to enhance academic…

Guidelines for competitive physical education and recreational therapy programs for multihandicapped children are discussed. Program developers should consider psychological factors, such as conceptualization of competition, anxiety management, and students' motivation and sense of locus of control. Teachers and parents should be trained to act…

The article reviews research and its clinical implications concerning children with speech, language, and communication disorders who also have or are at risk for developing emotional and behavioral disorders. Issues addressed include differential diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and the role of speech-language pathologists. (Author/DB)

Research on emergent literacy is applied to children with severe speech and physical impairments (SSPI). Factors shown to have the greatest influence on emerging literacy skills are identified, as are diverging experiences of young children with SSPI. Intervention strategies suggested for these children include increasing access to books and…

The paper defines the population of primary school age language/learning-disabled children with communication disorders and emotional/behavioral disorders. It then discusses the language demands of traditional treatment methods, assessment and diagnostic procedures, approaches to communication intervention, and treatment modalities; and offers a…

This paper presents information on the diagnostic criteria and management of disorders that may be wrongly identified as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or may coexist with ADHD thus complicating identification and treatment. The disorders discussed are: depression, mania, primary disorder of vigilance, narcolepsy, developmental…

The purpose of this manual, the culmination of a graduate project begun at the University of Kansas, is to assist individuals with severe, multiple disabilities and their service providers in learning to utilize nonsymbolic behaviors in an expanded, facilitative manner that leads to more consistent and predictable communication functioning. The…

This paper addresses the special problems in assessment of pupils who are congenitally or prelingually deafblind and who may have other disabilities, and argues that nonintrusive instruments and procedures are the assessment tools of choice. It contends that not enough attention has been given to developing, validating, and applying assessment…

The report examines, from a cognitive developmental view, research on the teachable moment or critical learning period in handicapped infants. The author explains that developmental gaps are produced by a mismatch between the infant's readiness and opportunity to learn. Characteristics and educational implications of specific handicapping…

Focus is on an assessment model that integrates process-oriented and eclectic approaches to cognitive, linguistic, motoric, and social assessment of this population. (Author/DLS)