A study compared language development and social competence among 96 preschool children with disabilities in inclusive and segregated classes. Pretest ability was the strongest predictor of progress. Subjects in inclusive classes had higher posttest scores in language development and social skills, but more behavior problems, than peers in…

Describes a study conducted at Seattle Pacific University that developed an attitude scale to measure student perceptions about online courses; explored relationships between student perceptions and demographic and other variables, including age, gender, online course experience, Internet experience, and computer skills; and investigated…

A study examined guardianship as it affects young adults with disabilities. Two hundred and twenty-one court files were reviewed across nine Michigan jurisdictions. Overall, 120 plenary guardians and 101 partial guardians were appointed. Distinctions between the powers of plenary and partial guardians, however, were often found to be minimal.…

Longitudinal change in syntax comprehension and production skill, measured over six years, was modeled in 31 individuals (ages 5-20) with Down syndrome. The best fitting Hierarchical Linear Modeling model of comprehension uses age and visual and auditory short-term memory as predictors of initial status, and age for growth trajectory. (Contains…

Examined relationship qualities and perceived social self- efficacy of 12-year-olds. Found that perceived low parental intimate support, high conflict with parents, and lower perceived self-efficacy were related to depression symptoms. Girls reported greater best friend intimate support and less conflict, greater self-efficacy, and stronger…

Satisfaction with disclosure of the diagnosis of autism was investigated using a questionnaire completed by 126 parents. Results indicate 55% of parents were satisfied with the disclosure. Satisfaction was more likely if parents gave positive ratings to the manner of the professional and quality of the information. (Contains references.)…

Explored contributions of complex sociodramatic play (CSP) in early childhood to self-regulation development for impulsive and nonimpulsive preschoolers. Found that Time 1 CSP positively correlated with, and solitary dramatic play negatively correlated with, self-regulation during Time 2 clean-up periods. The CSP/self-regulation relationship was…

A study investigated menstrual discomfort as a factor in severe problem behavior in four women with developmental disabilities and identified as having increased behavior problems at the time of menses. A multicomponent strategy, addressing both biological context and the psychosocial context (task demands), reduced problem behavior to near-zero…

A study examined protective and vulnerability factors in 214 foster children (ages 7-12). Youth and caregivers were interviewed six months following placement and six years later. Several control variables (age, ethnicity, abuse type, and behavior problems) and psychosocial predictor variables (social support and self-perception) were related to…

A series of studies are reviewed that identify markers in the "event-related potentials" related to differences in the development of language and reading skills. In addition, home environment and other variables that influence the intellectual environment are linked with predictions of language and reading skill development. (Contains…

Data from 143 children with reading disabilities (RD), 100 with arithmetic disabilities (AD), and 121 controls (ages 6-16) found the RD and AD groups had significantly lower scores on all verbal IQ subtests. Many also showed significant differences between verbal and performance IQ scores, but so did many controls. (Contains references.)…

A study of 16 years of records of a general internal medicine faculty at a university hospital and its affiliated Veterans Administration medical center suggests the faculty involved in subspecialties and who have protected research time can improve their research productivity. (Author/MSE)

The extent of the direct and indirect influence of quality of instruction, motivation, quantity of academic coursework, and homework on academic achievement was investigated using path analysis. Data from the High School and Beyond Study of 28,051 high school seniors were used. (SLD)

Data from 408 males, aged 19 to 21 years, who participated in an 18-year follow-up study of a Danish Prospective Perinatal Cohort were analyzed to assess correlates of family disruption/instability and criminality/delinquency. Age, gender, divorce-related, socioeconomic, and parental influences were assessed. (TJH)

A study of 82 occupational therapy, 84 physicians' assistant, and 117 physical therapy students found that scores on the Otis Quick-Scoring Mental Abilities Tests, admissions essays, number of credits earned at a previous institution, and cumulative grade point average were significant predictors of students' academic success. (SK)