The use of risperidone for 10 individuals with mental retardation and mental health disturbances was evaluated using a case study approach to delineate the course of substitution of more traditional antipsychotic medications with risperidone. All participants showed improvement or resolution in side effects attributed to previous medication with…

This article describes a "paid co-worker support" model which enables individuals with multiple disabilities (including severe mental retardation) to maintain competitive employment. A job coach trained two workers with severe disabilities in job skills, and a paid co-worker in support skills; both workers successfully maintained…

Examination of the prevalence of epilepsy and health service utilization in 1,595 people with intellectual disabilities in Wales found 16.1% had epilepsy. Standardized activity ratios were 3.07, 2.03, and 3.09 for inpatients, outpatients, and accident and emergency, respectively. Patients with intellectual disability and co-existing epilepsy used…

This paper reports on several studies of gender mix among staff in ten schools for students with severe, profound and/or multiple disabilities. Headteachers' perceptions of the impact of women's dominance in these positions are explored, and a series of proposals for future recruitment and staff development is put forth. (Contains seven…

This article describes an Irish video program that prepares mainstream students to meet incoming peers with severe, profound, and multiple disabilities, finding that students reacted positively to the video and found it helped relieve their anxieties at the prospect of contact. Implications for further development of structured contact sessions in…

This study examined the social validation of using microswitches versus interaction/stimulation conditions with persons with multiple disabilities. Teacher-assistant trainees and rehabilitation staff (n=72) were shown videotapes comparing the two methods and then scored both approaches. The microswitch condition was viewed as generally more…

A nationwide search to locate noncommercial instructional software appropriate for students with severe, multiple handicaps found 46 Apple II programs. Common curriculum areas were cause-and-effect training, language and communication, and cognitive development. Authoring programs were common, whereas academic programs were rare. The most typical…

The existence of maltreatment reports for 500 children with multiple disabilities was examined. The profiles of demographic and family characteristics associated with child maltreatment reporting were consistent with the literature, but child functional and developmental characteristics were not confirmed as risk factors. (Author/JDD)

The diagnostic overshadowing bias (tendency for a diagnosis of mental retardation to overshadow a coexisting psychopathological disorder) was examined with 57 rehabilitation counselors. Diagnostic overshadowing was found with individuals with an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 58 but not with those having IQs of 70 to 80. Counselor experience with…

An itinerant teacher of multiply handicapped students with low vision shares learning activities in which students learn to use coins with the aid of a computer program and make a shopping list using advertising flyers. (DB)

Since adults with developmental disabilities may be particularly vulnerable to the acquisition of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection, service providers need to consider educational and ethical issues. The use of advisory committees and strong antidiscrimination measures may be needed to protect such persons. (Author/DB)

Two experiments combined the assessment of reinforcer preferences and the functional analysis of behavior to prescribe treatment of self-injurious behavior in two severely handicapped children, aged four and eight. The treatments reduced self-injurious behavior when the child was alone as well as during instructional training activities. (JDD)

This paper provides a brief summary of a workshop held at the Wolfson Centre, London, England, on assessment of children with multiple disabilities. In addition, the paper offers guidelines for good assessment practice, emphasizing the need for assessment to be an ongoing, multidisciplinary process. (JDD)

Planning and implementing successful community-based social integration experiences for infants and toddlers with multiple disabilities require consideration of such issues as the developmental needs unique to this age-group, family needs and concerns, health and safety considerations, and training needs of staff. (JDD)

The study investigated two neurophysiologic components of event-related brain potential during auditory and visual target detection tasks with 11 non-retarded autistic children, 9 retarded autistic children, and 16 normal subjects, aged 15-19. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that non-retarded autism involves abnormal attentional and…