This study found no significant difference in the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigens or antibodies between 180 noninstitutionalized subjects (ages 1-29) with Down's syndrome and 155 subjects without Down's syndrome. This finding contrasts with previous findings with institutionalized Down's syndrome subjects. (Author/DB)

A double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted to assess the effects of intermittent drug therapy on stereotyped and collateral behaviors of six profoundly mentally retarded, institutionalized, adult males. Despite a marked reduction in medication, there was no general change of clinical significance in any of the behaviors. (Author/DB)

A comprehensive nutritional assessment was conducted of 37 institutionalized developmentally disabled children/adolescents. Variables included dietary intake, serum laboratory values, anthropometric measurements, feeding skills assessment, and clinical assessment. Findings suggested that the children/adolescents were adequately nourished and had…

A survey of 39 psychologists at a state school for mentally retarded persons assessed the prevalence of self-restraint, self-injurious behavior (SIB) and other maladaptive behaviors. Results indicated that almost all clients engaging in self-restraint also engaged in self-injurious behavior. (Author/DB)

The Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behavior was factor analyzed in 2 institutional samples and 1 community sample of persons with mental retardation (total n=353). Factor analysis revealed no strong justification for the instrument's seven scales. An alternative three-factor solution, comprising intrapersonal maladaptive behavior, psychotic…

This study, involving 1,245 institutionalized adults with severe and profound mental retardation, compared individuals with and without autistic features, as assessed by the Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped-II (DASH-II). Core and associated features of autism in this population are identified, and characteristics of persons with…

This study investigated differences in social skills among 203 institutionalized individuals (mean age 43) with severe and profound mental retardation grouped into those exhibiting self-injurious behavior, aggression, both behaviors, or neither behavior. Results indicated that individuals displaying maladaptive behaviors exhibited a restricted…

An investigation of the living conditions of 38 patients (mean age=45 years) with Down's Syndrome in Aarhus County, Denmark, found 31 in institutions, five in private homes (parents/siblings), and two in sheltered residences. Eighty-two percent had some sort of daily occupation, and most participated in recreational activities. (Author/VW)

Staff members (n=152) assigned to 76 clients with moderate to severe mental retardation in Norway received training in behaviorally oriented treatment and assessment. Results did not support the hypothesis that training in treatment and assessment would produce greater improvement in client behavior than would training in treatment alone.…

The study compared living conditions (e.g., place of residence, daily occupations, attendance at evening classes, recreational activities, and social contacts) of 43 probands with Down Syndrome and 55 control subjects of similar chronological age (mean age 17 years) living in Denmark. (Author/DB)

Forty-six institutionalized adults with mild or moderate mental retardation were administered the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (socialization domain), a subjective measure of quality of life, and a facial emotion recognition test. Facial emotion recognition, quality of life, and social skills appeared to be independent of one another. Facial…

Two experiments in training residents with severe disabilities in key use revealed increased ability to locate keys when reinforced for doing so and successful key use by 20 of 25 participants to open and lock their personal lockers. However, only 36 percent of participants were able to use their keys without prompts. (Author/DB)

This study reports on the extent to which pharmacological and behavioral consequences were applied to behavior problems within a population of 31,000 adults in New York's developmental services system. Findings indicated that these consequences were significantly related to variables of intellectual level, residential setting type, type and extent…

This survey of nine institutional and community settings serving persons with severe handicaps found (1) in groups managed by one or two staff, staff interactions, and client adaptive functioning improved with decreased group size; and (2) improvement in staff performance and client behavior from addition of staff to a client group was marginal or…

This paper describes institutional reforms implemented at Kfar Tikvah, an Israeli community for 126 moderately mentally retarded individuals. The process of changing to the organizational structure used in the kibbutz system is examined through descriptions of reforms in everyday life, social life, and work and economic independence. (JDD)