"A_Tempo" is a research project that is currently under development in Galicia, an autonomous community of Spain. Its main aim is to propose an effective universal screening procedure for early identification of developmental disorders in children from zero to three years of age who attend Galician pre-primary schools.…

Explores the concept of diagnosis in education, particularly special education. Explores the reification and development of diagnosis into a higher order of explanation. (RJC)

Discusses the environmental and constitutional factors of learning and behavioral problems in school children, and suggests an approach for management. Proposes an expanded role for the medical practitioner in assessment and management. (RJC)

Used focus groups and questionnaires involving parents and professionals in Northern Ireland to develop consensus regarding diagnostic and assessment services for children with autistic-spectrum disorders. Validated results through meetings and comments on draft documents produced by a selected reference group. Identified recommendations for…

Emphasizes need to systematically identify gifted children. Defines the term "gifted" and considers three groups in detail: children of high intelligence, children of high academic aptitude, and talented children. Offers strategy for educational diagnosis of gifted children. (DST)

Describes the development of 126 preterm infants studied throughout their first 2 years of life and then retested at age 5. Examines social-environmental factors in the interaction between infant and mother that are associated with more-or-less successful mental development. (AS)

A computer program, DIAL-LOG, was developed to assist users of DIAL-R, a widely used screening test, in the scoring of young children's performance. The program generates screening reports, suggests appropriate learning objectives and activities, and builds a file of results for up to 200 children at four age levels. (RH)

Investigates methods for the early detection of learning difficulties that were used in the screening of 788 kindergarten children. Of students in high risk groups, 25 percent failed to learn to read and write, but all students in the low risk groups could perform these activities. (RJC)

Describes recommendations of the Warnock Committee regarding the field of special education, and reports several important concepts of the 1981 Education Act. Additionally elaborates on the implications the Act has for parents whose children have special needs. Cautionary notes regarding consequences for practice are pointed out. (AS)

Argues that assessment in early childhood special education needs to go beyond diagnosis of the child in isolation and include evaluation of the child using an ecological perspective. Three aspects of ecological early childhood assessment are discussed: (1) the family interview; (2) the evaluation of adult-child learning styles; and (3)…

Outlines an experimental intervention program designed for children "at risk" of educational failure in Dyfed County, Wales. The program redefines the roles of "remedial" teachers and seeks to improve cooperation between the school, the health authority, and the social services department. (AS)