This article evaluates conclusions in Van den Broeck's article (2002) that argue the regression-based discrepancy method (RDM) used in learning disabilities diagnosis is invalid because it is inconsistent with the underlying underachievement concept of which it is intended to be the operationalization. It concludes acceptable models support the…

This article responds to a critique by Willson and Reynolds (2002) that argued for the use of the regression-based discrepancy method (RDM) for identifying learning disabilities. It argues the statistical and theoretical counterarguments are based on a misreading of the statistical models presented. (Contains 8 references.) (Author/CR)

This article considers how information regarding processing limitations in children with specific language impairment (SLI) might be extended to assist in early identification of toddlers at risk for language disorder. Preliminary findings from an investigation of early lexical processing of 15 late talking toddlers and 15 controls are presented.…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It argues that the term "mental retardation" has become a potent, utterly dismissive invective in the mouths of adults and school children and should be replaced with the term "intellectual disability". (Contains 1…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It suggests that it is time for a name change, however, the term "mental retardation" should be kept for diagnostic and entitlement purposes until such time as a better term is found and accepted. (Contains references.) (CR)

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It offers some ideas on how society might think about elemental change in terminology so a healthy outcome can be achieved without simply rearranging prejudices. The term "cognitive- adaptive disability" is proposed. (Contains three…

A study explored identity construction of seven adolescents who attended special classes for students who are hard-of-hearing (HH) for part or all of their elementary school years. Students strongly identified as HH people. School experiences and interactions with teachers and peers with HH appeared to be major influences on this choice. (Contains…

A study involving 149 Hispanic students aged 5-11 in bilingual programs in Texas developed preliminary data on a measure of phonological processing in Spanish and investigated the extent of cross-linguistic transfer for phonological awareness skills from Spanish to English. Phonological processing in Spanish, as measured by the instrument,…

This article discusses the etiology and scope of autism in young children, screening and diagnosis, intervention options, and the use of applied behavior analysis. Supporting evidence of the efficacy of intensive behavioral intervention is cited, and variations in treatments and techniques are reviewed. Barriers to effective services are also…

This article describes the characteristics of students with Asperger syndrome and discusses identifying students with Asperger syndrome who are also gifted. Classroom interventions for these twice exceptional students are addressed and the need for intervention that is highly individualized is stressed. Diagnostic criteria for Asperger's disorder…

A study examined domain specificity and domain generality of creativity in 109 second-graders. Children exhibited a range of creative abilities across different domains, rather than a uniform creative ability in diverse domains. Divergent thinking measures did not predict creative performance in at least two of three domains assessed in the study.…

Recent research, as well as personal reports from children and young adults, confirms the importance of a father or father figure being present. This article infuses research findings and person testimonies from young men who have reflected upon the importance of a father. Implications for schools and society are also discussed. (Author)

Discusses the difficulty in validating central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) as a diagnostic label in school-aged children, and examines the extent to which reading, language, and attention disorders in school-aged children involve perceptual dysfunctions limited to a single sensory modality. Multimodal perceptual testing for diagnosis is…

This investigation reports average length of communication units (C-units) in words and in morphemes for 95 African-American boys and girls (ages 4-6) from lower-income, urban homes. Mean C-units increased across the age span and syntactic complexity of the children's language samples correlated positively with increases in C-unit length.…

Review of the last 25 years of the author's work focuses on models for identifying and serving gifted and talented students including: (1) the Three Ring Conception of Giftedness; (2) the Enrichment Triad Model; and (3) the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. Summaries focus on the rationale supporting each model, practical applications, and possible…