Preliminary research suggests that the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) may be useful in identifying a variety of special needs in preschoolers, specific language disorders, and giftedness. Additional measures (such as measures of visual motor performance) may be appropriate in conjunction with the K-ABC. (CL)

Issues in the identification of learning disabilities among gifted children are addressed, and examples are presented to illustrate the need for detecting both conditions. Principles of programing for this group, including reducing external pressures on the child and maximizing opportunities for independent activity are summarized. (CL)

Examined the assessment processes (psychological and neuropsychological) used in the rehabilitation of learning disabled adults in a study of 130 vocational rehabilitation clients. Results indicated type of assessment was related to length of service but did not influence overall outcome. Only about half the clients were successfully…

Grade equivalent scores and standard scores for 32 elementary learning disabled were compared and yielded significant correlations. Mean grade equivalent scores did, however, significantly differ for the two reading measures but not when standard scores were used. The two math indices yielded nonsignificant grade equivalent scores. (Author/CL)

The relevance of the new National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities definition of learning disabilities is discussed in relation to the infant population. (Author/CL)

The author suggests that controversies over defining learning disabilities (LD) have resulted from confusion between diagnosis and definition and from disagreement over the discrepancy issue. He further suggests that LD students are a subset of age- and ability-referenced underachievers. (CL)

An economical procedure for identifying the dyslexic child is described using a parent questionnaire, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (particularly noting behavioral idiosyncrasies), a brief sentence reading test, a brief spelling test, and lateralty tests. Procedures for synthesizing the evaluation information are considered.…

Synthesizes the common elements to be found in preschool and primary screening practices of Australia, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Describes selected test instruments used in each area. (SJL)

A review of the literature regarding the utility of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) with learning disabled (LD) students was conducted. It is concluded that the WISC-R can be an adjunct to LD diagnosis and one step in educational planning for the LD student. (Author)

The study examined the validity of teachers' identification of problem children. The results indicated that conduct problem children differed from normal children on behavioral, sociometric, and academic measures. Conduct problem and withdrawal problem children did not differ on any of the dependent measures.

This review examines published hearing/review and court decisions concerning autism eligibility in educational settings in relation to empirically supported best practices in the assessment of autism. Thirteen cases were identified for inclusion in the review. In general, results indicated that hearing/review officers and judges neither relied…

This paper examines the case for modality specificity as a criterion for improving the specificity of diagnosing central auditory processing disorders. Demonstrating the modality-specific nature of sensory processing deficits is seen as one way to rule out nonperceptual factors as explanations for observed dysfunction. (Author)

This reprint of an 1866 essay by the physician who identified Down's syndrome describes the physical and behavioral patterns that characterize individuals with mental retardation who come from different ethnic groups. This evidence of degeneration crossing racial divisions is seen as support for the idea that the human family has a common origin.…

Examines the within-group differences that exist among children with some degree of hearing loss. Argues that considering these differences will assist service providers in improving services. Provides a rationale for viewing service options for these children and their families as parts of a whole. Discusses the implications of this perspective…

Pediatricians' and teachers' knowledge of physical, cognitive, and behavioral features associated with three genetic syndromes were assessed and the effectiveness of information sources about these syndromes evaluated. The surveyed sample included 53 pediatricians and 69 teachers from Northern and Central California. Respondents demonstrated…