Prevalence of children with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) is a critical component in the discussion of underidentification of children served in special education. This discussion has previously focused almost exclusively on point prevalence or the number of children with EBD presumably needing services at any single point in time.…

Although several studies have examined the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders, there are no current longitudinal studies of such children regarding the impact of comorbidity. In this study, 44 of an original sample of 175 preschoolers were located after 5 1/2 years, at an average chronological…

Although comorbid or co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, and oppositional defiant or conduct disorders have been well studied in children or adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), very little research is available on preschool samples. The current study…

Disruptive behavior of 64 subjects in trainable and educable mentally retarded classrooms was observed over a four-day period. Although mean disruptive behavior occurred in relatively low levels, considerable variability was evident with some differences observed in the nature of disruptive behaviors between TMR and EMR subjects. (Author)

A study involving 18 emergency homeless shelters in Los Angeles screened 169 homeless children (ages 6-12) for behavior disorders, learning disabilities, or mental retardation. Results found almost one half of sheltered homeless children screened positive for at least one disability requiring special education services, with behavior disorders…

This meta-analysis examined 152 studies on social skill deficits among students with learning disabilities (LD). Quantitative synthesis showed that about 75% of students with LD manifest social skill deficits that distinguish them from comparison samples. Approximately the same level of group differentiation was found across different raters…

This article examines the possibility that a variety of other psychiatric disorders may be associated with conduct disorders in children, and these additional disorders may require very different interventions. Extrapolation of symptoms from classroom inattention or disruptive behavior and estimated prevalence are discussed. (Author/DB)

A study involving 2,929 Head Start children found that 8% transitioned into special education during kindergarten and showed divergent patterns of receptive language development. Head Start children in special education differed from children in general education based on child demographic, intellectual, behavioral, and health factors. (Contains…

Examines the prevalence, developmental course, and predictive power of child mental health problems for young children in general and low-income, diverse populations in particular. Notes discrepancies between Head Start agency-level data, national estimates, and intensive studies of similar populations. Describes new collaborative federal…

This article provides a brief overview of the status of knowledge in the area of child and adolescent depression, focusing on depression in handicapped populations in school settings and the implications for special educators. The article describes diagnostic criteria, identification procedures, assessment methodology, and intervention strategies.…

A study screened 499 children (ages 7-12) in learning disability and serious emotional disturbance programs for risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). High-risk students subsequently underwent a comprehensive assessment for ADHD and comorbid conditions. High-risk children did not differ in symptomatology or comorbidity by special…

Noting the high incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in programs for children with emotional disturbances or learning disabilities, this article reviews evidence that comorbid diagnoses affect outcomes differentially and that psychopharmacologic treatments may be superior to behavioral interventions, depending on this…

Analysis of Department of Education national survey data found that school districts' sociodemographic characteristics were strongly associated with the proportion of students identified as having emotional disturbance (ED). Results also indicated a clear association between ethnicity/gender and the likelihood of being identified as having ED,…

A study examined the identification rate of mental retardation, learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, and emotional disturbance of 4,161 Head Start children as they completed first grade. Only 26% of the children meeting research diagnostic criteria in these four major categories were identified by the schools. (Author/CR)

The early identification and remediation of emotional or behavior disorders are high priorities for early-childhood researchers and are based on the assumption that problems such as school failure can be averted with early screening, prevention, and intervention. Presently, prevalence, severity, and topography of mental health needs among…