The article reviews the method of topographic mapping of the brain's electrical activity. Multiple electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes and computerized analysis of the EEG signal are used to generate maps of frequency and voltage (evoked potential). This relatively new technique holds promise in the evaluation of children with behavioral and…

A test of handwriting legibility and 6 perceptual-motor tests were completed by 66 children ages 7-12. Among handwriting error patterns, execution was associated with visual-motor skill and sensory discrimination, aiming with visual-motor and fine-motor skills. The visual-spatial factor had no significant association with perceptual-motor…

Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) was applied to reduce the destructive behaviors of five-year-old quadruplets diagnosed with mental retardation and pervasive developmental disorder. Findings suggest that the effectiveness of NCR may be dependent on the use of a dense schedule of reinforcement initially and that systematic fading can increase the…

After finding that self-injurious behavior in two young males with developmental disabilities was negatively reinforced by escape from instructional activities, an intervention provided noncontingent escape on a fixed schedule and differential negative reinforcement of other behavior. Provision of escape, even when noncontingent, resulted in…

This paper reviews whether Rett syndrome is a subtype of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). The paper analyzes internal and external diagnostic validity and discusses whether Rett syndrome is a neurological disorder or a mental disorder. The paper concludes that data support the idea of classifying Rett syndrome as a subtype of PDD.…

Examination of 42 cases of children with Tourette Syndrome with intelligence quotients (IQs) above 70 found that mean IQs were higher than mean math, spelling, reading, and reading comprehension scores. Using a 1.5 standard deviation discrepancy, 51 percent met criteria for learning disability in at least one academic area; 21 percent had a…

Annualized nonreimbursed spending by 99 Chicago-area households supporting an adult family member with a developmental disability was evaluated across 10 categories of daily living expenses and disability-related services. The average annual out-of-pocket cost was $6,348 with the percentage of household income represented by these costs increasing…

The effects of using comprehensive geriatric assessment with 24 community-based elderly individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities were evaluated. The evaluation found significantly greater numbers of medical and dental diagnoses than were found by the subjects' previous medical evaluations. (Author/DB)

Investigates the existence of an identifiable core cognitive curriculum operative in early intervention programs as revealed in the developmental inventories used to assess students and in Individual Educational Program (IEP) objectives. Discusses the substance and suitability of this curriculum for developmentally disabled preschoolers. Questions…

This review of the literature on functional assessment and treatment of challenging behavior in children and adults with developmental disabilities first discusses functional assessment methods and then research issues, including informant assessment, direct observation assessment, and experimental (functional) analysis. The implications of this…

This study of the development of friendship found that adults (n=9) with developmental disabilities living in small group homes and a nondisabled comparison group (n=7) had similar numbers of close relationships, whereas disabled residents of large facilities (n=11) had fewer close friends than either of the other two groups. (Author/JDD)

In one experiment, autistic children continued to fail a task that involved strategic deception when no opponent was present. In a second experiment that involved reaching for an object under direct and detour conditions, autistic children had greater difficulty with the task than did nonautistic, mentally handicapped children. Cites advantages…

This paper defines and clarifies the role of professional nurses on interdisciplinary teams in the field of developmental disabilities. Professional services expected from registered nurses are outlined, and the position statement of the American Association on Mental Retardation Nursing Division is presented to provide a framework of practice for…

Developmentally disabled adults (n=36) attending day centers were interviewed regarding peer-group friendships. Results found those without peer-group friends to be similar to lonely people without disabilities on two of the three factors explored. Those with friends were found more likely to describe themselves positively on all dimensions.…

Four steps for using the aptitudes conversion procedure for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised are obtaining a summary of numerical aptitude ratings; identifying possible placements from the "Dictionary of Occupational Titles" or the "Handbook for Analyzing Jobs"; narrowing placements to match individual needs…