Discusses problems in the process used by the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) to redefine mental retardation and substantive problems with various definitions of mental retardation, including the former and new 1992 AAMR definition. Recommended elements in a new educational definition of mental retardation are presented. (CR)

This study investigated the incidence of learning disabilities in 105 children (ages 6-18) with neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1). Results found that nearly 70% of the subjects were academically deficient and 42% met the criteria for learning disabilities. A low incidence of visuospatial-constructional deficits was also found. (Author/CR)

Discusses implications of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments for local policy and practice. Secondary principals should understand new requirements for locating and evaluating eligible students with disabilities, including disabled students in state and districtwide assessment programs, involving regular teachers in…

An overview of epilepsy and its possible ramifications is provided. The etiology of epilepsy, its diagnosis, and the different types of seizures (tonic-clonic, tonic, and absence) are explained. Information is also provided on first aid and treatment such as medications and surgery. Educational issues, including social, academic, and parent/school…

The occurrence of dyskinetic movement disorder and its co-occurrence with stereotypic behavior among adults with mental retardation were studied in 98 adults with mental retardation. Results indicated that stereotypic movement disorder was associated with increased dyskinesia scores and that dyskinesia and stereotypy may be related by common…

Discusses a study that compared speech and prosody-voice profiles of children (ages 4-14) with suspected developmental apraxia of speech (DAS) to profiles of 73 children with speech delay. Also describes a second study of 20 children (ages 3-9) that investigated whether stress was a diagnostic marker of DAS. (Author/CR)

A study used the conversational speech samples from 19 children (ages 4-14) with suspected developmental apraxia of speech (DAS) to investigate the characteristics of the disability. The results of the study, combined with the results of two previous studies, indicate inappropriate stress is a diagnostic marker for DAS. (Author/CR)

Describes a model for team developmental assessment of high-risk infants using a fiber-optic "distance learning" televideo network in south-central New York. An arena style transdisciplinary play-based assessment model was adapted for use across the televideo connection and close simulation of convention assessment procedures was…

A survey of 100 speech-language pathologists involved in the assessment and treatment of patients with dysarthria investigated their attitudes toward the Darley, Aronson, and Brown (DAB) method of classification. Results indicated that most clinicians, believing it helps in the design of a treatment protocol, used the DAB classification system.…

This article describes hearing screening procedures and discusses implications and limitations of passing screening tests, being referred for rescreening, and failing the test. Follow-up intervention and evaluation that may be needed for children with hearing loss are discussed, and practical advice for professionals involved with screening and…

Three studies with approximately 600 children were conducted to evaluate the validity and reliability of the three measures of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile. Findings support the use of the profile as a screening and evaluation tool for identifying children with developmental delays at 12 to 24 months of age.…

The Draw-a-Person Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance was evaluated with 39 deaf children, ages 9 through 12, who were divided into 2 groups: emotionally disturbed and not emotionally disturbed. Group mean scores were not significantly different; more than half the subjects in each group were misclassified using the procedure. (Author/DB)

This review of research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) indicates that standard diagnostic criteria are overly inclusive when applied to young children, with only half of impulsive toddlers fitting the criteria for ADHD at later ages. Accurate diagnosis depends on an evaluation of behaviors, child temperament, parent-child…

Caregivers of 55 boys with fragile X syndrome (ages 3-12) and 57 matched controls completed five behavioral questionnaires. Principal components analysis yielded 5 behavioral clusters: abnormal language, tactile defensiveness, poor self-control, poor eye contact/shyness, and hand flapping. Boys with fragile X were four times more likely to have…

This paper discusses a case-finding process for identifying all people 55 years and over with an intellectual disability living in 2 regions of Victoria (Australia). Results indicated that, although not all 215 people located were registered with specialist services, they were known to the generic system, suggesting the value of greater…