This investigation compared five parameters of phonatory function in an examination of the use of acoustic measures in differential diagnosis in 39 subjects in 3 neuropathological groups (Parkinson, Huntington, cerebellar ataxia) and a normal control group. Results indicated higher variability in perturbation in all the neuropathological groups.…

Two educational resources for use with gifted students are evaluated. Positively rated are "The Gifted Evaluation Scale" (Stephen B. Carney) and "The Psychology of Achievement" (audiotape series by Brian Tracy). (DB)

This study evaluated the voiced/voiceless phonation time for /s/ and /z/ for 11 children (ages 5-10) with vocal pathology and 11 normal speaking children. Results showed no difference in /s/ durations between groups, but /z/ durations and s/z ratios were significantly different. Results are discussed in relation to task construction, instructional…

Describes sensory integration dysfunction, a condition in which a child's inefficient neurological system has a negative effect on his or her ability to perform effectively in a school setting. Discusses the role of occupational therapy intervention for preschoolers with sensory integration dysfunction and methods of screening for the dysfunction.…

This article describes the Scale for the Evaluation of Gifted Identification Instruments, developed for use by school decision makers. Development of the scale is reviewed in terms of five areas of assessment: validity, reliability, propriety, respondent appropriateness, and utility. Specific guidelines and cautions in using the scale are also…

Analyses of the internal consistency of three autism scales--the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), the Real Life Rating Scale (RLRS), and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)--were conducted with 34 children with pervasive developmental disabilities. Good internal consistency was found for the CARS. Adequate full-scale consistency was found for…

A study investigated optimal length of screening tests used to sort out medical students needing to take a full-length performance-based standardized-patient test from those not needing it. Receiver operating characteristic analysis determined a good length is one-third the full test, with cutoff just above the mean case pass level. (Author/MSE)

Ophthalmological screening was conducted on 113 clients in a work activity center for adults with mental retardation. Abnormalities that were neither refractive nor strabismic were found in 32 percent of clients. Findings suggest the value of conducting screenings in settings familiar to such clients. (Author/DB)

Examined usefulness of CAGE in screening for alcohol use disorders in university students (n=110) attending campus psychiatric health service. Fourteen students were identified as having current alcohol use disorder by means of Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Results suggest that CAGE is able in this population to detect usually mild…

Evaluated the utility of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist for youth when completed by adolescents at a school-based health center (SBHC), noting how identification of psychosocial dysfunction and referral to mental health services improved academic functioning. Results support the utility of psychosocial screening and referral in SBHCs in…

A brief screening instrument used on adolescents (N=176) identified significantly more alcohol, tobacco and other drug users than primary-care physicians normally identify. Twenty-five percent of abusers were interested in receiving help. Authors argue for routinely including substance-abuse screening as a component of primary-care health…

This study uses 312 college students cited for under-aged drinking to replicate and validate the College Alcohol Problem Scale (CAPS). Findings demonstrate close replication in factor structure and internal consistency ratings. Subscale factors were covalidated with a measure of heavy/peak drinking. Discusses suggestions for utilizing CAPS in…

Investigated the unidimensionality of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) screening questionnaire and determined and validated a scoring of asthma-like symptoms seriousness. Data from 6,946 adults at 3 Italian screening centers found a single dimension underlying the screening questionnaire. A scoring of asthma-like symptoms…

Investigates performance of children (N=731) on the Matrix Analogies Test-Short Form (MAT-SF) as a measure of nonverbal intelligence. Analysis revealed that performance of Greek children was similar to an American sample. Findings suggest that MAT-SF can be used as a screening measure of nonverbal intelligence with Greek children using the US…

Simultaneous auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) to click stimuli at 30 and 60 decibels were recorded from 16 full-term neonates with 4 different electrode arrays. Results indicated that ABR waveforms were morphologically similar to those recorded in adults. Waveform expression was variable with different electrode recording montages. (Author/DB)