One of the popular misconceptions about giftedness is that the gifted label is a benefit. It is probably a fixed blessing at best and can bring unexpected problems to children, their families, and their teachers. Children who are labeled gifted often have uncertain feelings about the designation and the whole "gifted" experience, if not…

Presents a framework of developmental tasks which focuses on growth over the life span. Tasks include competence, sex role identity, capacity for meaningful relationships, independence, personal purpose, integrity, and acceptance of the world. Limitations of the approach and implications for counselors are discussed. (JAC)

Questions concerning individual differences in learning ability may be more precisely addressed in light of an agreed-upon taxonomy of learning skills. Existing taxonomies are reviewed, and their shortcomings are described. A taxonomy is then proposed based on a synthesis of current thought consisting of four dimensions: the forms of knowledge;…

From investigations of cognitive development, intellectual ability, and learning strategies, representative examples of research are used to highlight dilemmas which attend the use of the terms "stages,""levels,""styles," and "strategies" to describe different aspects of human thinking and learning, especially in adolescents and young adults.…

This article considers whether Asperger syndrome (AS) should necessarily be viewed as a disability or as a difference. It concludes that "difference" is a more neutral and fair description. A model (the emphasizing-systemizing model) is summarized that attempts to define in what way individuals with AS are different. (Contains references.)…

A trial advocacy professor who spent some time as an assistant public defender discusses the types of clients the criminal defense lawyer is likely to encounter and offers suggestions for training the advocate to address the problems posed by each defendant type. (Author/MSE)

This article, originally published in 1968, examines learning disabilities from the perspectives of history, disciplines (calling for interdisciplinary convergence), education (viewing learning disabilities as a concept rather than a category), teacher preparation, province (evaluating the appropriateness of various delivery systems), and time…