Sequential, standardized patient-based tests were given to medical students at the University of Maastricht (Netherlands); the first test was a screening test that evaluated the efficiency/validity of cutoff scores. Findings indicated that stringent pass/fail cutoff scores on the screening test produced optimal results. Fewer than 0.2 percent of…

Osteoporosis screening of 107 adults, ages 40 to 60, with mental retardation who attended community-based training centers found 21 percent had osteoporosis and 34 percent had osteopenia. The most significant predictor of lower bone mineral densities were Down syndrome, mobility status, and race. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

This article examines creativity and talent of individuals that can be identified from perceptions of themselves. It describes two instruments that may be used to measure such predispositions. Several problems studied with these instruments are presented and a number of uses for the instruments are suggested. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

The accuracy of 3 developmental screening tests administered to 89 young children was compared. The Battelle Developmental Inventory Screening Test was more accurate than the Academic Scale of the Developmental Profile-II and the Denver-II, identifying correctly 72% of children with difficulties and 76% of children without diagnoses. (Author/JDD)

Presents an overview of the context and clinical principles of the use of developmental screening instruments (DSIs) to identify children with developmental disabilities that would not be recognized without their use. Offers guidelines for evaluating and using DSIs. Explains reasons for using DSIs in pediatric clinical settings and why they have…

Developed the Athletic Milieu Direct Questionnaire (AMDQ) to detect female college athletes with eating disorders/disordered eating (ED/DE). Athletes from various sports completed the AMDQ, two other tests, and a structured diagnostic interview to determine which test screened most effectively. The AMDQ identified ED/DE more accurately than the…

Mental health and school counselors receive different training, yet each is called upon to assist with the other's job. Mental health counselors need to step forward as external consultants to school personnel to help ADHD youth. As consultants, they can provide current information on diagnosis and assessment to reduce symptoms where ADHD does…

Compared the Parenting Stress Index (R. Abidon, 1990), the Behavior Assessment System for Children (C. Reynolds and R. Kamphaus, 1992), and an informal letter/number probe as predictors of first grade reading and mathematics achievement for 92 children early in the kindergarten year. Results show that number and letter recognition were the best…

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), consisting of 23 yes/no items, was used to screen 1,293 children. Of the 58 given a diagnostic/developmental evaluation, 39 were diagnosed with autism. Six items pertaining to social relatedness and communication provided the best means of discrimination among children. (Contains references.)…

This article discusses six criteria for justifying universal infant hearing screening, including: significant consequences must result when the disorder is not detected, programs must be available, accessible, and cost-effective, and birth-admission screening must result in an improved outcome. It concludes that universal detection of infant…

A study investigated the use of the ADHD-IV Rating Scale-School Version, with students (ages 5-18). Results suggest the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder construct is consistent across gender, however, there are differences across gender and ethnicity. For Caucasian children, externalizing behaviors are most salient in terms of…

This study evaluated application of a revised criterion for the Language Development Survey, a parent-report screening measure designed to identify young children with language delays. The revised criterion generated fewer false positives, improved specificity, and improved positive predictive value while maintaining the high sensitivity and high…

Discussion of school violence compares possible causes of the school shootings in Colorado and Georgia with a prior analysis of possible causes of school shootings. Characteristics of these violent perpetrators are discussed as a possible guide to help identify these seemingly "invisible kids." Identification options include warning…

The report from President George W. Bush's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (NFC), "Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in America"(2003), proposes goals and recommendations for improving mental health services. This report has significant implications for the delivery of mental health services through the schools. A…

Black women with a family history of breast cancer are much less likely than Whites to get genetic counseling, in part because of the mistaken notion that the genetic form of the illness is a White woman's disease, researchers say. While breast cancer generally is more common among White women, some data suggest both races have similar rates of…