This article reviews "ADHD with Comorbid Disorders: Clinical Assessment and Management" by Steven R. Pliszka, Caryn L. Carlson, and James M. Swanson, a book that provides information on children displaying both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other comorbid psychiatric conditions, complex psychopharmacological interventions that may…

This article examines whether changes in the ethnic minority composition of the standardization sample for the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III (PPVT-III) can be used as the sole explanation for children's better test scores when compared to an earlier edition. Analysis suggests other factors may explain improved performance. (Contains…

To assist teachers, descriptions of seven defining characteristics of Asperger Syndrome are provided, including: insistence on sameness, impairment in social interaction, restricted range of interests, poor concentration, poor motor coordination, academic difficulties, and emotional vulnerability. Strategies for addressing each of these symptoms…

This interview with an individual with Asperger Syndrome (AS) discusses the characteristics of autism, how AS differs from autism, and common characteristics of AS. His experiences in school are described and recommendations are made for teachers who work with students with AS and for parents of children with AS. (Contains references.) (CR)

This study compared 4 methods (2 case history and 2 performance-based) used to classify the status of adult subjects in familial studies of developmental language disorders, involving 24 parents of children with developmental language disorders and 24 unrelated adult controls. Classification by case history found fewer affected adults than…

This article urges a constructive dialog between artists and educators in order to establish a new direction for the education of youth with special talents in the arts. The fundamentals of artistic talent are discussed, followed by consideration of effective means to identify potential talent and develop talents in all students, including…

A survey of state directors of special education found that states vary greatly in the ways they define autism, assess autism, and provide training and technical assistance for those working with pupils with autism. Tables provide survey data by state. Recommendations focus on professional training needs, assessment practices, and eligibility…

A study of 51,624 Michigan students declassified from special education indicated that the students were academically, socially, and behaviorally well adjusted in general education programs. Teachers and counselors felt that 11% continued to need special education. Four percent of declassified students returned to special education within three…

Fragmented, agency-centered services contribute to poor educational and societal outcomes. The National Agenda to Improve Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance targets approaches that are knowledge based and have a high likelihood of improving outcomes. Explores the implications of the agenda's seven targets and the…

Research on the fairness, effectiveness, and efficiency of selecting students is reported in the context of selecting educationally disadvantaged black students in South Africa for a one-year mathematics- and science-based student-centered compensatory university preparatory program. A formula comprised of weighted mathematics, science, and…

Examined the role of the transition to high school as a race/ethnicity consciousness-raising experience that stimulates development of one's racial/ethnic identity depending on newcomers' racial/ethnic congruence with the student body and staff. Findings suggest that changes over the transition to high school served as a race-ethnicity…

This article describes basic assessment considerations for infants and toddlers exhibiting nonorganic failure to thrive. The evaluation process must examine feeding, maternal-child interactions, child temperament, and environmental risks and behaviors. Early identification and intervention are necessary to minimize the long-term developmental…

A study evaluated the use of a clinical tool developed to determine the listening behavior of young children at risk for developmental communication delays. The evaluation procedure was developed and successfully applied to 66 children (ages birth to 3) attending an early intervention program over a period of 3 years. (Contains six references.)…

This article proposes that gifted children with Asperger's syndrome may not be identified because their unusual behaviors may be wrongly attributed to either their giftedness or to a learning disability. Ways in which the syndrome might be missed and guidelines for differentiating characteristics of giftedness from Asperger's characteristics are…

This study evaluated the validity of language-assessment instruments with Native American children, ages 3 to 5. Results indicated that the Preschool Language Scale-3 provides a valid assessment of the receptive and expressive language skills of 3- and 4-year-old Native-American children. However, use of this scale with 5-year-old Native Americans…