The characteristics of a sample of school-aged children identified as learning disabled (LD) are described. They were characterized by distributions of single variables (e.g., discrepancy between IQ and achievement) and hierarchical classification creating subgroups within the LD sample. Fewer than half the sample exhibited characteristics…

Results showed LD children's cognitive and affective role taking skills to be poorer than those of age-matched controls. However, performance on these tasks was not related to measures of peer domain social skills. Instead, these were found most consistently to relate to hyperactivity ratings. (Author/SEW)

Among the findings of a study of elementary students was that Ss with hearing losses exhibited the most positive teacher-perceived behavior, while those on behavior-controlling drugs for hyperactivity had the greatest evidence of school problems. (DLS)

Current literature on hyperactivity stresses the central role of short attention, distractibility, and impulsivity in contributing to the child's behavioral and learning difficulties. Journal availability: American Medical Association, 535 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610. (Author)

Provides an analysis of the rational and nonrational factors in the use of stimulant drugs. Focuses upon the educational system as an arena in which these perspectives contest for dominance in the use of stimulant drugs for hyperkinesis. (Editor/RK)

Twenty elementary-grade boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 20 nondisabled boys worked on an arithmetic task during either high stimulation (music), low stimulation (speech), and no stimulation (silence). Although nondisabled children performed similarly under all three auditory conditions, the children with ADHD did somewhat…

Behavioral strategies appropriate for use with students having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are discussed and grouped into antecedent manipulations (such as physical arrangement and peer tutoring); consequent manipulations (reprimands, teacher attention, and contingency contracting); and cognitive behavioral interventions…

Investigates the creativity and behavior precipitated by employing the mandala as an active centering device for children with Attention-Deficit Disorder or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Drawings were requested and rated according to the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale. Preliminary findings indicate that attentional abilities…

This study examined the psychometric and normative properties of the ADHD-Symptoms Rating Scale with preschool children. Results shed light on normative levels of ADHD behaviors and preschool children and suggested that preschoolers may present with a somewhat different symptom pattern than school-age children. Parents were more likely to endorse…

Eighteen children (ages 6-16) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were compared to 20 controls on both process and product scores from the California Verbal Learning Test for Children. Children with ADHD initially learned the same number of words as controls but showed weaknesses recalling the words after delays. (Contains…

Assesses the efficacy of using brief functional analysis procedures in preschool classrooms for students at-risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Results indicated that aggressive behavior was maintained by either positive or negative reinforcement contingencies. Results are discussed in relation to implementing functional…

This article discusses how children with oral and written language disorders can benefit from the Montessori method, especially if the Montessorian is trained to use a Multisensory Structured Language approach. Questions are answered regarding the number of children with learning disabilities, considerations in training the classroom assistant,…

A study evaluated the efficacy of a multicomponent program for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in 50 students (ages 8- 9). Teachers (n=29) were trained in behavior modification techniques, cognitive behavior strategies, and instructional management strategies. Parents' and teachers' ratings detected improvement in primary…

The study examined perceptions, knowledge, and opinions regarding medication of 146 teachers of students with serious emotional disturbances. Among findings were that global impressions were most often used to evaluate drug effects and that hyperactivity and delusions/hallucinations were most likely to lead to medication. (DB)

Evaluation of 11 moderately/profoundly retarded residents receiving long-term thioridazine treatment found that ratings of hyperactivity and self-injury were significantly lower during the higher dose condition, that high-stereotypy subjects responded better to the drug than low-stereotypy subjects, but that no overall drug effects could be…