The review of current research presented here describes literature dealing either directly or indirectly with school-age latchkey children. Implications of this research are suggested as they relate to the following questions: Are latchkey children at risk? If so, at how much risk and in which areas? Are there factors that mitigate or lead to…

This digest describes the characteristics and extent of anorexia and bulimia, and provides psychosocial and family profiles of the victims. The role of counseling programs in treating these disorders is discussed. (BH)

This digest defines the term "communication disorders," states prevalence rates for the condition, describes characteristics of children with communication disorders, and outlines educational implications. Thirteen publications on communication disorders and six organizational resources are listed. (JDD)

A brief overview of mental retardation defines the concept, discusses incidence in the general population, describes characteristics of mentally retarded individuals, and discusses educational implications. References for further reading, as well as organizational resources, are provided. (JW)

The information digest on emotional disturbances provides basic information on definition, incidence, patterns of behavior, and educational implications as well as suggested additional resources. The definition of "emotional disturbances" in P.L. 94-142, The Education for All Handicapped Children Act, is given and briefly discussed.…

This information sheet briefly describes the history of the identification of Down Syndrome, its prenatal diagnosis, characteristics of individuals with Down Syndrome, its causes, its rate of occurrence and recurrence, its impact on child development, and recommended content of education programs for children with Down Syndrome. A list of seven…

This digest lists and defines the disabilities which entitle a child to special education, estimates the number of U.S. children requiring special education, briefly discusses the educational implications of disabilities, and lists 6 printed resources and 14 organizational resources which can provide further information. (JDD)

A brief overview of gifted and talented students touches on definitions of giftedness, typical characteristics of gifted and talented students, incidence in the school population, and educational alternatives. Lists of references for further reading, as well as organizational resources, are included. (JW)

This digest describes the incidence of alcohol and drug use among adolescents, the causes of substance abuse, and theories of sequential drug use. It discusses the role of the school in substance abuse prevention and intervention activities, providing several recommendations for planning prevention programs. (NB)

This digest defines learning disabilities, cites their prevalence, describes typical characteristics of learning-disabled students, outlines educational implications of learning disabilities, and lists several printed and organizational resources for further information. (JDD)

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.…

This fact sheet provides data on the incidence of teenage suicide and describes the stressors which can lead to suicide. Suicide as a three-step process is discussed and warning signs are identified. Counseling interventions are listed and suggestions for preventive efforts by community members, mental health professionals, school personnel,…

This digest defines drug abuse and examines ensuing family problems, methods of intervention and treatment, school related problems, and prevention of chemical dependency. (BH)

This digest provides an overview of autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It addresses: (1) the behavior of individuals with autism, such as developmental difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social relatedness, and leisure and play activities; (2) diagnosis and evaluation of autism; and (3) prevalence of autism and the…

This digest summarizes basic information on substance abuse prevention and intervention for students with disabilities. It identifies risks associated with specific disabilities including mental retardation/developmental disability, emotional disturbance (at highest risk for substance abuse), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, blindness,…