Comparisons of mother-child interaction styles exhibited during free-play sessions in the home between six mother-multiply disabled child dyads and six mother-normal child dyads indicated that mothers of disabled children exerted more direct influence during play interactions than their counterparts. Normal children were involved in more…

A factor analytic study of a symptom checklist was conducted with 131 emotionally disturbed, mentally retarded people (12-55 years old). Results added statistical detail to previous clinical reports on the symptoms of emotional disturbances in mentally retarded people. (Author/CL)

Eight cases of early onset bipolar affective disorder in adolescents with mental impairment are described, focusing on age of onset; common characteristics such as rapid cycling, mixed affective states, and lithium resistance; and the likelihood that cerebral dysfunction might cause a secondary form of bipolar disorder. (JDD)

This study assessed the prevalence of epileptic seizures in 378 children attending special education centers for students with intellectual disability in Amman, Jordan. Findings indicated that 20% had a history of epilepsy. Epilepsy was more prevalent among children with severe disability than mild intellectual disability, males than females, and…

An intervention in Australia to improve the nutrition of 69 underweight, institutionalized persons (mean age 27) with multiple disabilities including severe intellectual disability involved an enriched diet for a year with increased energy density. Results included increased weight, improved vitamin and mineral levels, and fewer infections.…

The survey of hearing loss among residents (N=398) of a long-stay hospital for persons with mental handicap found 10 percent of those over 18 and 70 percent of those aged 70-79 had socially significant hearing loss. Possible reasons are offered for this higher prevalence in the mentally handicapped population and for poor utilization of hearing…

Goals of the dual diagnosis movement in the U.S. have been to increase recognition of the mental health disorders of mentally retarded people, develop appropriate assessment techniques, establish both residential and outpatient services, and improve research by clarifying the roles of federal funding agencies. (JDD)

The study of 883 individuals, age 45 and older, with cerebral palsy and mental retardation, found (1) the presence of cerebral palsy differentiates this group, (2) there were more males than females at all age levels, (3) there were virtually no non-Whites in old-old group, (4) and there were decreases in seizure rates with age. (DB)

Mentally retarded suicide attempters/ideators (n=22) were compared to 22 nonsuicidal mentally retarded adults referred for outpatient mental health services. Few differences were found between the two groups. The typical suicide attempter was a young adult with mild to borderline mental retardation and a physical disability or chronic medical…

This paper reports on outcomes of a deinstitutionalization project for children with severe multiple intellectual and physical disabilities, in which 98 residents of a hospital were relocated to small group homes. Positive effects were found in self-care and in social interactions. No meaningful changes in physical health were observed. (Author/PB)

This article reports on a deinstitutionalization project for children with severe multiple intellectual and physical disabilities, in which 98 hospital residents were relocated to small group homes. Relocation generally resulted in a more varied life-routine for residents, a broader range of social activities and greater contact with their…

This paper describes diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, cultural factors, service delivery systems, and governmental roles important in the consideration of the status of mentally retarded people with mental health problems in four Spanish-speaking populations: Chile, Mexico, Spain, and Hispanic groups in the U.S. (JDD)

This paper describes experiences of a psychiatrist working with adults who have intellectual disability along with challenging behaviors and/or psychiatric illness, focusing on harm minimization, relationships with staff, and collection of behavioral data. Three case histories illustrate differences between institutional and office practice and…

A naturalistic time delay strategy and a carefully graded discrimination sequence were used to teach requesting of high interest leisure activities to a student with severe and multiple disabilities. Implications for programming and instruction in the cross-curriculum area of communication are discussed. (Author/DB)

Examination of the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of three cooking skills by three multiply and severely handicapped blind adolescents revealed that a "whole task" approach was successful in teaching the subjects to boil an egg, grill cheese, and cook a TV dinner. These skills also generalized to other cooking products. (Author/CB)