Two studies with nine children with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) were conducted. Study 1, focusing on longitudinal changes in speaking rate, found markedly slower speaking rates for five subjects. Study 2, examining possible causes of slowed speaking rate, found that both reduced articulatory speed and increased pausing may contribute…

The clinical utility of using fewer than 12 trials of the Selective Reminding Test, a task to assess verbal memory, was studied with 100 cardiac patients and 100 brain injury patients. Results suggest that as few as 6 trials might be adequate, providing information consistent with that from 12 trials. (SLD)

Study evaluated bicycling habits and helmet use in 100 university students. Only 31 owned helmets, and 17 wore them during most trips. Helmet ownership was most strongly associated with previous injuries. Ethnicity and possession of bicycle injury insurance were also factors. Perceived risk was an important factor in helmet use. (SM)

This survey of 48 state directors of special education found that states are at various stages in developing policies and guidelines for serving individuals with traumatic brain injury, resulting in differing forms of technical assistance and training, definitions, and eligibility criteria. (JDD)

Discusses the goals and specific initiatives of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, a nationwide childhood injury prevention program that works to protect children from birth through age 14. Its programs focus on bike helmet and bike safety awareness; scald burn prevention; residential fire detection and smoke alarm installation; and automobile seat…

The comprehensive management of epilepsy in people with mental retardation requires consideration of four aspects of care: diagnosis and classification, anticonvulsant drug treatment, safety and protection from injury, and psychosocial functioning. This paper outlines what is known and unknown in these four areas and introduces articles in this…

A stimulus equivalence procedure for the acquisition of English and Spanish words was evaluated with two adolescents having head injuries. Following training on one task, subjects attained and maintained high scores on all matching-to-sample tasks. Results suggest the procedure is effective for teaching foreign language skills to head-injured…

Many active athletes do not consume enough zinc or iron, which are important for oxygen activation, electron transport, and injury healing. Subclinical deficiencies may impair performance and impair healing times. People who exercise regularly need counseling about the importance of adequate dietary intake of iron and zinc. (SM)

Discusses how campus crime-prevention activities can help avoid "premises liability" injury lawsuits that target some physical defect in school property or the operation of that property. Suggests installing a proactive system that inhibits crime, but if a crime occurs, can provide strong a legal and ethical defense of reasonable efforts on the…

A study compared the Comprehension: Block Design IQ subtest pattern of 8 children with autism and 24 children with developmental and acquired frontal lobe disorders. Found that children with autism showed low social comprehension related to visual spatial ability, a profile which was shared by children with poorly controlled Phenylketonuria. (CR)

Examines frequency, costs, and quality of life losses associated with unintentional childhood injuries in 1996, using analyses of national and state data sets. Summarizes the cost effectiveness of several child safety measures and discusses current federal funding patterns for health care research on the subject. An appendix presents methods of…

A case-study approach illustrates how three survivors of severe traumatic brain injury were able to gain and maintain employment with the assistance of a supported employment program. Emphasis is on types of accommodations, including design and implementation of compensatory strategies. The steps to enhance use of compensatory strategies on the…

This pilot study estimated the incidence of nondysphasic language and communication problems following right cerebral hemisphere damage (RHD) in 11 subjects who completed language assessments within 2 weeks of onset and again 3 months later. Results found some language impairment for 50% of the sample and marked difficulties for 20%. (Author/DB)

Argues for a child-centered approach to thinking about child cycling accidents. Helmets instill a false sense of safety in children and adults, while a profound change in the habits of adults is the only strategy that can protect children from accidents. Suggests steps for local analysis of the problem of cycling accidents. (MOK)

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) validity scales were compared for 20 nonclinical participants, 18 subjects asked to fake injury, 18 head injury patients not seeking compensation, and 30 compensation-seeking head injury patients. Results suggest that MMPI-2 overreporting scales are sensitive to complaint fabrication and…