This study examined the ability of a newly developed computerized visual vigilance measure, the Preschool Vigilance Task (PVT), to differentiate between 20 hyperactive and 20 control preschoolers. The PVT was developed to minimize cognitive requirements in a vigilance measure. The study compared performance of the subjects on the PVT and the…

The newsletter's main article focuses on hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder. The causes of hyperactivity, which affects 3-5 percent of all children, are elusive but may include neurological immaturity, inherent genetic problems, or fetal exposure to harmful substances. Patterns of behavior that typify a hyperactive child include a short…

Sustained attention and inhibitory control of 15 nonhyperactive, learning disabled (LD) boys, 15 hyperactive but not LD boys, and 15 normal boys (11-12 years old) were studied, on teacher ratings of impulse control in the classroom and testing results. Coming to attention, decision making, sustained attention, and attention-concentration were…

Children ages 5-13 diagnosed as Attention Deficit (ADDH), Anxiety (ANX), or Conduct plus ADDH (HC) Disorder and matched normal controls were compared on measures of impulsivity, arousal, motor performance, activity level, and cognition. When age, sex, and verbal intelligence quotient (IA) effects were partialed out, few differences among…

The study compared performance on the Continuous Performance Task by 18 elementary grade children having attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADDH), 15 conduct disordered, 26 mixed conduct disorder and ADDH, 15 emotionally disturbed, 22 learning disabled, and 15 nondisabled students. Hyperactive children did not demonstrate a unique…

For this study, computer technology was used to teach attentional skills to six young children. Prior reinforcement histories of individual stimuli were manipulated to examine whether they are the variable that controls the features of compound cues to which young children attend. (RWB)

Elementary school children with attention deficit disorder were classified according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) as hyperactive or not. Teachers' ratings indicated hyperactive children were more problematic. Teachers were able to distinguish between the groups, using the Abbreviated Conners' Rating Scale…

Parents are often asked to complete behavioral checklists and personality inventories regarding their children when they bring them in for psychotherapy or neuropsychological testing. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Conners' Parent Report Scale (CPRS), and the Personality Inventory for Children (PIC) are frequently used tests. Some…

This follow-up study explored behavioral self-regulation, private speech and speech-action coordination with 72 preschoolers classified 2 years prior into two groups: those diagnosed as at-risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and healthy controls. Children were videotaped as they completed tasks of executive functioning,…

This publication of the Iowa State School Workers' Association is dedicated to the enhancement of social work practice in schools. Within the social work profession, school social workers may find themselves on the cutting edge and forefront of issues affecting students. The articles in these journals attempt to provide comprehensive knowledge…

This journal of the California Association for Counseling and Development attempts to identify the current issues of concern in the counseling field and share research to help improve the professional learning community. The articles in this issue include: "The Editor's Message" (Pat Nellor Wickwire); "The CACD President's…

The founder of the Lab School of Washington, a day school of 300 students for youngsters with severe learning disabilities discusses how negative behaviors of children with learning disabilities frequently turn into positive attitudes in adulthood. Examples of successful students are provided and lessons learned from working with such students are…

The author has developed a treatment manual that has integrated technical cognitive-behavioral training in resolution of conflicts, from a social focus and in a group format. This intervention model includes: discussion and practice of the necessary components for the effective resolution of conflicts, making of decisions, identification of signs…

This paper examines the discriminative validity of the Learning Efficiency Test II (LET-II; Webster, 1998) in distinguishing among children diagnosed as having ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) only, ADHD and an accompanying learning disability, ADHD-predominantly inactive type, and a control group. Children (N=132) between the ages…

In a survey of 100 elementary school teachers in rural Tennessee, teachers felt that reducing distractions, positive reinforcement, and frequent monitoring were the most effective techniques for teaching students with attention deficit disorders (ADD). Teachers suggested that many students with ADD were not being identified and indicated needs for…