Learning to communicate using speech and language is a primary developmental task for young children. Delays in the acquisition of language are one of the earliest indicators of developmental deficits that may affect academic and social outcomes for individuals across the life span. In the period since the passage of PL 99-457, significant…

This monograph presents the executive summaries of research syntheses developed at five special centers addressing assessment and interventions for children with attention deficit disorders (ADD). The Center at the Arkansas Children's Hospital (Roscoe A. Dykman et al.) reviewed the literature and conducted meetings on the assessment and…

This paper identifies trends in the population of students with learning disabilities (LD) in the public schools and explores reasons for these trends. It notes that there has been a 198 percent increase in the number of children served as LD between 1976-77 and 1992-93 due to a lack of consensus on the definition of LD and school-level processes…

This book aims to interpret recent research on dyslexia into practical information for those who work with individuals with dyslexia. Chapter 1 summarizes new information about how genetic codes determine brian development and how differences in brain structure cause dyslexia. Chapter 2 explains the perceptual and emotional nature of dyslexia.…

This article summarizes results of a 1998 conference which reviewed research on screening and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and identifies promising areas of research especially the search for the ultimate diagnostic indicator, infant screening and diagnosis, the role of sensory-motor disorders, diagnosis of co-occurring disorders,…

The written testimony of the authors before the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education in April, 2002, identifies five areas of needed effort in early childhood special education research: (1) early identification and eligibility; (2) services; (3) outcomes; (4) infrastructure; and (5) the research funding process. Specific…

This guide to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is organized in three parts which address understanding the problem, getting help, and sustaining hope. A question-and-answer format addresses the following topics: symptoms of ADHD; other conditions which may produce similar symptoms; other disorders which may accompany ADHD; causes of…

This volume on the identification of learning disabilities (LD) offers chapters that provide comprehensive reviews of the research evidence underlying different aspects of LD and was the product of a 2001 general conference followed up by a small research forum. Contributors include researchers, parents, practitioners, and administrators. A final…

This text, designed to be a comprehensive introduction to special education, emphasizes linking research and practice and implementing best practices in the education of students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral/emotional problems, giftedness, speech and/or language impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments,…

Noting that the number of students served in special education programs has increased at alarming rates since 1975, this paper posits that this increase is due to recent social and political variables and their impact on the educational system. Special emphasis is placed on how state and local educational leaders respond to national education…

The 32 readings in this collection discuss the needs of children who are both gifted and also have special needs such as a disability ("twice exceptional"). The readings are grouped into four major sections. Section 1 is titled "Family Matters: Perspectives from Family Members" and includes the personal viewpoints of…

The report of the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education followed 13 hearings and meetings throughout the nation on ways to strengthen the education of students with disabilities. An executive summary summarizes nine findings and the resulting three major recommendations: first, focus on results, not process; second, embrace a…

This collection of nine pamphlets is intended to increase the general public's awareness about the nature and importance of learning disabilities; to facilitate the access of parents and individuals with learning disabilities to practical information and sources of assistance; to expand access to practical information about existing research…

These proceedings from a January, 1993, forum on the education of children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) focuses on the activities of five federally funded centers: the Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Center on Attention Deficit Disorder; the University of Miami (Florida) Center for Research on Attention Deficit Disorder; the…

This report updates the National Strategic Research Plan of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and reports progress made from 1991 through 1993 as required by the National Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-553) which established the Institute. An executive summary…