An emphasis on scribbles and drawing as important brain-building behavior makes this book's Neuroconstructive theory of child development and Scribbling/Drawing/Writing practice unique. A child's brain builds itself in response to genetics, DNA codes, and the environment. One of the pre-determined ways a child's brain naturally builds itself is by…

Recombinant DNA techniques provide new approaches to the diagnosis and analysis of inherited human diseases associated with mental retardation, such as Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, phenylketonauria, the Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and those associated with deletions or duplications of subchromosomal regions. (Author/CL)

Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIPs) are developed by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Each TIP involves the development of topic-specific best-practice guidelines for the prevention and…

Expectations for tenure-track faculty are often high. Professors must often balance schedules filled with teaching, service projects, and other duties, leaving little time for meaningful research. The author suggests ways to connect research to other professional responsibilities to increase engagement, enthusiasm, connectedness, and overall…

A discussion of basic genetic principles is followed by a review of selected genetic syndromes involving learning disabilites (such as Noonan Syndrome, Neurofibromatosis, Pheuylketonuria, and cleft lip and palate). Guidelines for securing a genetic evaluation are given. (CL)

Discusses the characteristics of the inherited condition known as phenylketonuria (PKU) and the nutrition regimen used to treat the disorder. (DB)

Neurological changes of Alzheimer's disease have been consistently documented in individuals with Down syndrome 35 years of age or older suggesting a genetic relationship between the conditions. The paper discusses the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, its progressive behavioral impact on persons with Down syndrome, and implications for services…

Designed primarily for parents of children with genetic disorders, the booklet provides information about parent groups. Part 1 describes parent groups, including organization, types of groups, and methods of outreach. A sample letter of invitation to attend a parent group and an outline of the initial meeting is included along with a list of…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to summarize what is known about the genetic causes of mental retardation. Questions and answers address the following topics: what genetics is; how a person's genes can cause mental retardation; how often mental retardation is inherited (up to 60 percent of severe mental retardation has genetic…

This paper attempts to describe the psychopathology of the borderline patient. Descriptive features of the syndrome in children, adults, and adolescents are given. Genetic considerations and psychic structures are discussed with their resulting treatment implications. Finally, outpatient treatment strategies are presented in detail, including…

The variety of cultures represented by international teaching assistants (ITAs) demands a skillful accommodation of intercultural information to assist effective adaptation for the American classroom. The literature on intercultural communication often provides a simple illustration of persons representing different cultures interacting to create…

The digest presents an overview on Down Syndrome. The history of the term is traced to its association with Dr. John Langdon Down who first described the condition in 1866. Characteristics of Down Syndrome are noted, including mental retardation, short stature, epicanthic folds, reduced muscle tone, joint hyperflexibility, and premature aging.…

The booklet describes the STAGES (Swine Testing and Genetic Evaluation System) program developed at Purdue University (Indiana), along with the USDA, National Pork Producers Council and swine breed associations. By selecting breeding stock from a coded catalogue developed by STAGES, producers are able to select the best breeding stock for more…

The document describes Lowe's syndrome, a hereditary condition that affects only males and is typically diagnosed during the first year of life. Effects of Lowe's syndrome on the eyes (cataracts, glaucoma, corneal degeneration, and strabismus) are discussed, as well as related problems with the central nervous system, muscles, kidneys, bones, and…

Intended for parents and professionals, the book explains chromosome abnormalities in lay terms and discusses the relationship of specific conditions to birth defects. Chromosomal abnormalities are defined and factors in diagnosis and recurrence are discussed. Normal chromosome reproduction processes are covered while such numerical abnormalities…