A clinical method of assessing speech and language development in preschool children is described as 62 three-year-old children were assessed by a pediatrician, a speech therapist, and a psychologist. (Author)

The article reports the frequency and hearing levels used in hearing screening by school districts in Minnesota. Such an array of standards probably indicates similar variation in pass-fail criteria and therefore precludes accurate reporting of the prevalence of hearing impairment in school age children. The need for standardization throughout the…

Describes the Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome, a little-known disorder of the central nervous system whose symptoms include involuntary movements, such as facial tics, and the production of involuntary sounds, such as grunts and obscenities. Suggests ways teachers can help a child afflicted with this disorder. (SJL)

Most handicaps go undetected until children become school age. To discover effective and efficient child find procedures, several variables must be examined: (1) population to be screened, (2) massive campaign vs. specific contact, (3) agency effort vs. community-based effort, and (4) referral mode vs. screening mode. (Author)

Describes a new integrated bio-psycho-social model of etiology for mental retardation. Discusses the problems with current models and the ability of the "universe line" model to integrate data from different research areas, especially cognitive and psychopathologic indicators. Addresses implications of this theoretical approach. (Author/CR)

Problems in early identification of children with emotional or behavioral disorders in current systems of care are discussed along with current methods for early screening. Use of early detection and ongoing assessment of response as a basis for more focused intervention is suggested. Primary and secondary prevention issues are also discussed.…

Analysis of the documentation submitted by 415 university students to support their eligibility for support services found serious problems in the type and quality of evaluation reports, including flaws in the comprehensiveness of assessments and the use of questionable instruments for this population. Recommendations are offered for establishing…

A case study of three adults (ages 46-47) with Down syndrome investigated the patterns of symptoms associated with depression and dementia. Characteristics that distinguish between dementia and depression in adults with Down syndrome are described. Periodic comprehensive assessment of adults with Down syndrome to detect functioning changes is…

Brain researchers developed a three-tier model to treat reading problems, involving screening for early intervention, modifying regular instruction and monitoring student progress, and diagnosing and treating referred children. In a pilot of the model, 64 percent of 215 participating students needed no further intervention beyond tier 2. In…

A study involving elementary students with (n=336) and without (n=548) emotional disturbance (ED) found students with ED exceeded controls on the five ED characteristics stated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which are inability to learn, relationship problems, inappropriate behavior, unhappiness or depression, and physical…

Discussion of the British Code of Practice for the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs focuses on the need to implement the Code in the context of the National Curriculum, modified as necessary, and individualized in the student's Individualized Education Plan. (DB)

Explores several topics related to advocating for students with emotional and behavioral disorders, including the role of teachers. Various misdirected advocacy positions are critiqued and a new advocacy agenda proposed that focuses on program appropriateness, qualified personnel, least restrictive environment, and meaningful classification and…

This article argues that the education system in Aotearoa/New Zealand relegates children with disabilities, along with Maori and children of minority groups, to the margins of education. It stresses the need for teachers to focus on ways in which inclusion practices are reinforcing the marginal position of many students. (Contains references.)…

A survey of all state education agencies (SEAs) was conducted to compare regulations for the determination of a learning disability. Results revealed many similarities among the states with some variations in the SEA eligibility criteria. Identification requirements were different under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the…

This study compared using a minimum IQ cutoff score and a simple difference method versus a regression-based method for identifying specific learning disabilities (SLD) in African American and European American college students (n=117). The regression-based method resulted in a significantly larger proportion of identified African Americans.…