The article describes a unique visual-motor act, peering (when the child looks closely at near-point paper and pencil work), which the author has noticed frequently in children with learning disorders. (SBH)

Findings from a review of recent empirical studies on autism in the areas of behavioral characteristics (stimulus overselectivity, echolalia, imitation) and treatment interventions (social language development, stereotypic behavior, instructional design) are presented. (Author/CL)

The digest examines the range of traits that may be exhibited by intellectually gifted children. The characterisitcs are explained to be signals that a particular child might warrant closer observation and special educational attention. Characteristics are listed under three headings: general behavior (early reading, ability to detect and…

In this digest the problem of underachievement among gifted students is examined. Gifted underachievers manifest three behavior patterns in the school setting: non-communication and withdrawal, passive compliance, and aggressive/disruptive behavior. Gifted underachievers have been identified in greater numbers recently. Some of the causes of…

Hierarchical cluster analysis from scores on the Child Behavior Profile was used to identify reliable profile patterns that characterized 2,683 clinically referred boys and girls aged 6 to 11 and 12 to 16. Procedures for classifying the profiles of individual children were developed and good agreement was obtained between classifications based on…

Comparison of behaviors exhibited by 19 hyperactive and 17 nonhyperactive (learning disordered) children found differences between groups to be more often qualitative than quantitative. Hyperactive students demonstrated more talking, unsystematic search, and motor impersistence while nonhyperactive students demonstrated more upper extremity…

This brochure, in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, is intended to help parents identify children who are gifted and may need an education that goes beyond what is provided in their classrooms. It focuses on eight characteristics typical of such children with examples of behaviors showing the characteristic. The characteristics are: (1)…

Data collected on 130 older and 104 younger students with educable mental retardation are presented on intellectual level, racial background, degree of integration into regular programs, placement history, social status, and presence of specific behavioral disorders. Findings suggest the need for comprehensive curricula and systematic training in…

In the study, regular classroom teachers with different levels of tolerance for immature behaviors were asked to rate a hypothetical child thought to exhibit immature or defiant behaviors. (Author)

The booklet provides background information on the diagnosis and characteristics of autism. A chart portrays the signs and symptoms, followed by the definition of the syndrome by the National Society For Children and Adults with Autism. Associated features are noted along with information on age of onset, etiology, incidence and sex ratio,…

Behavioral rating scales were completed by teachers on 1,078 behaviorally disordered students assigned to resource rooms in public schools, self-contained classrooms in public schools, psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and state training schools for the adjudicated. Data indicate that some differences do exist across settings…

This article presents a brief introduction to Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics and obsessive-compulsive behaviors). It describes the nature of the disorder, treatment, and service provision (evaluation and assessment and the Individual Education Plan). (DB)

The authors of EC 609 935, a paper comparing characteristics of children with high functioning autistic disorder (H-F AD) with those of children having mild disabilities, reflect on difficulties in accurately identifying and programming for H-F AD children. Educators are urged to evaluate such students in terms of learning style, behavioral…

Notes that public school system has experienced dramatic rise in antisocial and aggressive behavior patterns among its student population in past quarter-century, especially within last decade. Highlights current understanding of causal influences, behavioral characteristics, long-term developmental outcomes, and promising interventions with these…

The manual examines issues in determining eligibility criteria for students with serious emotional disturbance (SED). Educational and clinical definitions of SED are compared, components of the educational definiton are examined, and the issue of differentiating behavioral disorders from serious emotional disturbance is considered. The assessment…