This study sought to empirically identify subtype and severity patterns prevalent among learning-disabled adults and apply this information to strategies that rehabilitation counselors could use to improve the probability of job success of their clients. Subjects (n=219) were administered standardized measures of intelligence, achievement, and…

The bibliography lists books and journal articles which are available on loan (to Illinois residents only) from the Illinois Birth to Three Clearinghouse. The 79 items listed focus on many aspects of autism, such as diagnosis, possible genetic links, social and pragmatic deficits, sleep problems, developmental therapy, drug therapy, behavior…

Case studies of 4 females and 1 male, aged 6-25, with pervasive developmental disorders are described. All met standard diagnostic criteria for autism and showed many Rett syndrome symptoms. It is concluded that there is considerable overlap between the 2 disorders and that symptomatic similarities might mirror common pathopsychological…

Evaluation of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery's utility in distinguishing between 30 male adolescents diagnosed as learning disabled (LD) and 30 matched non-LD students indicated that the battery correctly classified 90 percent of the sample with 6.7 percent false positives and 13.3 percent false negatives. (Author/DB)

This article reviews the efforts made since 1962 to define learning disabilities, discusses 11 prominent definitions, identifies important conceptual elements on which the definitions differ, and calls for a consensual acceptance of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities definition. (PB)

The variety of methods available for the assessment of hyperactivity in preschool populations is reviewed. Specific procedures for assessment are presented from a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating biophysical, behavioral, cognitive, and ecological models. (Author/JDD)

This paper reviewed the psychometric properties of the DSM-III-R (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III, Revised) criteria for autism. Results indicated that the criteria had, on average, very good sensitivity but much lower specificity. It is concluded that the DSM-III-R criteria act more like screening criteria than diagnostic criteria.…

This paper presents evidence regarding the validity of the diagnostic concept of "autistic-like" childhood disintegrative disorder, also known as Heller syndrome or as disintegrative psychosis. Its inclusion in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) is supported, and proposed criteria and narrative description are provided.…

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…

This study examined whether children (ages 6-16) diagnosed as having attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADD/H) could be differentiated from those diagnosed as having attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity (ADD/WO), on an anterior-posterior gradient paradigm. It was predicted that ADD/H children (N=23) would have more deficits…

The paper reviews the literature on the use of guidelines to identify handicapped children, especially learning-disabled (LD) children, for special programs. Dangers of misidentification of learning-disabled children through rigid use of discrepancy formulas are reported. The paper reviews studies which support: the use of Bannatyne's four factor…

The paper presents a rationale for and a discussion of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation's Board of Directors' position on assessment and identification in mental retardation, especially mild retardation. The historical foundations of identification and assessment, current practices, recommended practices, legal…

This article asserts that the learning disabilities field must (1) address causality in differentiating learning disabilities from other learning problems, (2) expand prevailing approaches to individualizing instruction so that intrinsic motivation is accounted for in a systematic, comprehensive manner, and (3) move beyond piecemeal programs to…

This study compared DSM-III-R (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III, Revised), Childhood Autism Rating Scale, and clinical diagnoses of 138 admissions to a program for diagnosis and treatment of autistic and related communication-handicapped individuals. Results indicated generally high agreement on the diagnosis of autism, with DSM-III-R…

This paper describes the Children's Diagnostic Center, an innovative model project at Hampton University in Virginia. The center was established to provide high quality, multi-disciplinary evaluations of children thought to have conditions likely to interfere with normal development; to describe resources and services available to parents to…