Pedigree analysis of 12 young adults (9 of whom had learning disabilities) indicated that learning disability (LD) was strongly familial but that the type of disability (reading or math) was not directly inherited. Autoimmune disorders were significantly correlated with LD. In seven of the LD families, adults failed to overcome earlier reading and…

Finds significant differences in spelling practices and in goals of reading programs between French- and English-speaking teachers of learning-disabled students in Ontario, Canada. (SR)

Discusses case study of 14-year-old girl who had been diagnosed as poor reader and possibly dyslexic through screening tests. Observes that her performance indicates that her lack of reading proficiency may be attributed to carelessness and wrong anticipation of words. Offers possible reasons for this, and explores the question of whether she…

Interactive Semantic Mapping is presented as an interactive instructional strategy developed from multiple theoretical bases to aid reading comprehension in students with learning disabilities. It involves students in predicting relationships among concepts and sharing knowledge to facilitate comprehension of text-related concepts. This article…

Describes how all of a teacher's students diagnosed with autism (ages 5 to 21 and thought to be severely retarded in their ability to learn or communicate) not only learned to read without formal instruction but could--and did--communicate their very normal thoughts while using a computer or pencil and paper. (SR)

This commentary on Edwin Ellis' model of integrative strategy instruction for use with students with learning disabilities argues the need for systematic investigations of the multiple facets of the program. The ISI model is examined in terms of the eight principles of strategy instruction outlined by H.L. Swanson. (JDD)

This commentary on Edwin Ellis' model of integrative strategy instruction for students with learning disabilities points out that the model holds considerable promise. However, the model necessitates that teachers be trained to assess student cognition using multiple methods and that content area teachers think in new ways about their instruction…

This study provides support for a potential subclinical marker in the executive function domain of siblings (n=18, ages 8-18) of autistic individuals, compared to learning-disabled controls. No group differences in theory-of-mind abilities were found. The need to develop more sensitive measures is discussed. (Author/JDD)

Reviews 1993 book by Marybeth Kravets and Imy F. Wax. Describes text as comprehensive and accurate. Suggests utility for counselors, parents, and students. States that guide's most valuable resource is state-by-state comprehensive listing and evaluation of every program for learning-disabled individuals in the United States and Canada. (CRR)

Twenty-three intermediate grade students (seven with learning difficulties) completed a concept mapping and vocabulary quiz, with instructions highlighting the value of learning goals or performance goals. Children with varying learning histories mediated in-school learning with qualitatively distinct epistemologies, and the "learning goals" task…

Students (grades 7-8) with and without learning disabilities (LD) wrote stories for which a beginning, middle, end, or no prompt was given. Results indicated differences between groups in quantity and quality of story production. LD subjects scored significantly lower when offered the middle prompt than other prompts, perhaps because of their…

This article examines the various types and functions of mnemonic strategies that may be used to expedite recall in students with learning disabilities, reviews the research concerning mnemonics, and provides a critical analysis of mnemonics as it relates to people with learning disabilities. (DB)

This study applied Reader Response theory (which stresses an aesthetic experience with the text) with seven less proficient readers (learning-disabled fifth and sixth graders). Student response was best when the text was read to them, when their responses were oral, and when instruction focused on active meaning construction and the reader/text…

This study evaluated the external validity of a measure of IQ subtest variability, the profile variability index (PVI), with a sample of 146 children referred for psychological testing. Correlation of PVIs on each intelligence test with achievement scores and indexes of discrepancy between actual and predicted scholastic achievement found…

Effects of instructional complexity and role reciprocity within classwide peer tutoring (CWPT) programs were examined with a total of 119 students (learning disabled, low achieving, or normally achieving) in grades 2 through 5. Students in all CWPT conditions outperformed controls on a reading fluency measure; however only those in CWPT with role…