Standardized IQ tests which cannot take into account the effects of handicapping conditions such as learning disabilities or hearing impairments can contribute to the mislabeling of children as dull or mildly mentally retarded unless the clinicians are careful to consider this possibility. (PHR)

Despite advancements in empirical studies of developmental dyslexia, progress on methods of dyslexia assessment have been hampered by ongoing debate concerning diverse issues such as the role and validity of IQ in the assessment process, labelling and definitions (Miles, 1994; Stanovich, 1991, 1992). With the emergence of cross-linguistic studies…

Pragmatic language skills are important for developing relationships with others, and for communicating with a range of interlocutors in a variety of contexts, including preschool and elementary school classrooms. Pragmatic language difficulties frequently are a primary area of disability for children diagnosed with autism, Asperger's syndrome,…

The bivariate normal distribution can be used to determine the prevalence of reading disabilities when the primary variables are reading achievement and IQ and when the correlation between reading and IQ is known or can be estimated. The advantages and diadvantages of the bivariate normal distribution are discussed. (Author/CL)

The article addresses assessment of the young handicapped child and describes development of the Competency Assessment Profile. Journal availability: see EC 133 846. (Author)

Two methods of identifying language disordered children were examined in a study involving 54 regular kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers in two Albuquerque schools serving 1,212 children (assigned on a roughly matched basis to one of two groups). (Author/PHR)

This study found that states with low percentages of students identified as learning disabled (LD) used a diagnostic method for determining a severe discrepancy, whereas few states identifying the most students used such a method. Use of a method to determine a severe discrepancy may reduce inappropriate labeling of students as LD. (Author/JDD)

Presents an overview of a screening process developed by a postsecondary institution that has a comprehensive support program for students with learning disabilities. The steps in the process are outlined, as are the successes and limitations. Recommendations for programs that are considering adopting a screening process are provided. (Author/CR)

Psychometric data are presented for 223 children and adults with autism, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS), or nonspectrum diagnoses who took the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic. Within each module, diagnostic groups were equivalent on expressive language levels. Results indicate substantial…

The purpose of this article is to examine models designed for the determination of a learning disability and compare them to specific criteria to determine whether the given diagnostic process is ecological in nature. The traditional child-centered deficit model (CCD), Relative Achievement Discrepancy model (RAD), and Responsiveness to…

Students identified as gifted who also display one or more areas of disability remain under-identified both in special and gifted education programs. All too often school personnel do not have the resources necessary to make decisions about this unique group of students commonly called the twice-exceptional. The purpose of this article is to…

English language learners with disabilities (ELLWD) face many challenges in their academic career. Learning a new language and coping with their disabilities create obstacles in their academic progress. Variables relegating accessibility of assessments for students with disabilities and ELL students may seriously hinder the academic performance of…

A survey of 323 studies in behavioral disorders/emotional disturbance was conducted to determine the nature and prevalence of identification criteria to select subjects. Findings revealed a divergent picture of the nature of prevalence of behavorial disorders/emotional disturbance, and a lack of consensus regarding standard identification…

Recent federal regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142) have not dealt adequately with reliable identification of the handicapped child. (SB)

To produce a greater degree of consistency and reliability in diagnosis of handicapped children, a system called multidimensional actuarial classification is presented for differential diagnosis of mental retardation, inadequate adaptive behavior, social maladjustment, academic under and overachievement, and learning disabilities. (Author/CL)