This article discusses diagnostic overshadowing, a robust bias that negatively affects the accuracy of clinicians' judgments about concomitant mental illness in persons with mental retardation and mental illness. Reviewing 12 studies, it examined moderators of diagnostic overshadowing and found clinician's cognitive complexity negatively affects…

A study of 4,151 school districts found a clear association among ethnicity, gender, and mental retardation. Sociodemographic variables were also strongly associated with the proportion of students identified. A logistical regression model that included sociodemographic predictors was significantly better than models with gender and race alone.…

This article examines factors associated with the substantial under-identification, referral and service for students with emotional-behavioral adjustment problems (EBD). The validity of the EBD categorical certification is questioned. Disincentives to identification of behavior disorders are noted. It concludes that schools should abandon the EBD…

Research has shown that people often do not claim labels associated with mental retardation or learning difficulties. We discussed the interpretation that this rejection is an example of a denial process, the purpose of which is to protect self-esteem. Alternative explanations for this lack of identification were offered, based on an understanding…

The recent influx of students with disabilities into postsecondary education has generated a concomitant increase in the demand for psychoeducational assessments that include a measure of cognitive ability, either to identify ability-achievement discrepancies or to rule out alternate or comorbid diagnoses. The most commonly recommended cognitive…

Arguments between response to intervention (RTI) with curriculum-based measurement (CBM) and traditional, individual psychoeducational assessments encourage a false dichotomy between alternatives that are not mutually exclusive, but complementary. This article discusses strengths and weaknesses of both approaches, touches on current legislative…

The transitions from an elementary school to a middle level school and from a middle level school to a high school are major stepping-stones in the lives of young adolescents and their parents. These times are characterized by changes in school expectations and practices--changes that are often amplified when special education issues are thrown…

This final report describes activities and accomplishments of the Services for Children with Deaf-Blindness project, a 1-year federally supported project in Louisiana to improve identification and curriculum for these children by providing technical assistance and training to parents, school systems, and agency personnel. Project activities…

This study reviews literature concerning identification processes and appropriate learning strategies for gifted/learning disabled students. The literature review addresses current trends for identification and inclusion, student characteristics, and suggested placements. The analysis continues with an examination of the needs of a 17-year-old…

This report presents the December 1, 1995 special education data collected annually by the state of Maryland as part of the state's Special Services Information System. Information is compiled on special education students ages 3-21 in all 24 local education agencies and state operated programs. Definitions of key terms used to classify student…

Graphomotor output was assessed in children with attentional problems using the Repeated Patterns Test (RPT). Forty-eight subjects, ages 8 to 13, who met standard criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), participated, of whom 24 had primarily Inattentive Type and 24 had Combined Type ADHD. Both groups had intact visuomotor…

This literature review, from 1990 to the present, discusses the characteristics of autism and the comorbidity of mental retardation and autism. Specific medical syndromes that complement the heterogeneity concept are described, including epilepsy, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and Asperger syndrome. The paper presents some…

This policy brief explores issues associated with the question of whether federal funds to implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) should be allocated on the basis of the number of children with disabilities or a percentage of each state's resident population of children. The report examines proposed changes in the federal…

Designed to assist Alberta (Canada) school authorities in preparing applications for special education funding, this handbook describes the types of special education funding available, how to apply for special education funding, and how applications for special education funding are monitored. An introduction explains that school boards and…

This report provides information on the incidence of and services provided to students with disabilities or gifts and talents in Idaho in the school year 1995-96. Through charts, graphs, and text, information is provided on: (1) the number of students served by category of disability; (2) special instructional programs and services; (3) the…