This study examined the attitudes and knowledge level of 105 special educators about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Five factors (integration/segregation, knowledge, willingness to educate, testing, privacy) were identified. Results indicated that teachers were knowledgeable and were willing to…

This article presents information on the complications of both Type I and Type II diabetes and the implications for the rehabilitation of persons with diabetes and visual impairment. Topics covered include retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetic hand syndrome, neuropathy of the autonomic nervous…

Fifteen guidelines are proposed for families and school personnel placing a child who is medically fragile or technology dependent into the school environment. Guidelines address differing priorities of parents and teachers, the role of health care professionals, the transition from home or hospital to the classroom, communication between school…

Examines intellectual and educational sequelae of selected endocrine systems and the psychosocial impact of their medical conditions. Many conditions are named including: Growth Hormone Deficiency, Turner Syndrome, Precocious Puberty, Klinefelters Syndrome, Congenital Hypothyroidism, and Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Gives psychoeducational…

A study investigated the incidence of autism in 20 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The prevalence of autistic disorder was conservatively estimated at 20%. Data suggest a possible association between both hypsarrythmia and TSC-related cardiac abnormalities with autism in this subgroup of individuals with TSC. (Author/CR)

Osteoporosis screening of 107 adults, ages 40 to 60, with mental retardation who attended community-based training centers found 21 percent had osteoporosis and 34 percent had osteopenia. The most significant predictor of lower bone mineral densities were Down syndrome, mobility status, and race. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) can occur at any age in apparently healthy people. Early identification and intervention are essential. This article examines SCD in children and adolescents, explaining: who is at risk; the importance of training school personnel for SCD emergencies and having automated external defibrillators (AED) within the schools;…

Tested the predictive power of self-efficacy expectations of physical capabilities, expectations of pain, and expectations of reinjury on physical function in chronic back pain patients. Before assessment of function, patients rated their abilities to perform essential job tasks--functional self-efficacy (FSE)--and the likelihood working would…

Reviews literature concerning effects of gastrostomy as alternative nutritional intake on children with developmental delays and their families. Finds that although gastrostomy has been shown to be effective in maintaining adequate weight and nutritional intake, the support given to the family prior to and after the operation is inadequate.…

This paper offers six guidelines to facilitate parent-professional partnerships in neonatal intensive care units and early intervention settings. The guidelines emphasize the need to individualize practices to match parent needs; involve parents; support, trust, and respect parents; adopt a strengths-based perspective; understand parents' and…

School absenteeism and school refusal behavior are particularly difficult problems that school health professionals often face. Unfortunately, few recommendations are available to such professionals about how to address this population. In this article, we (1) outline the major characteristics of school absenteeism and school refusal behavior, (2)…

Many adolescent clients of the Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA) in Washington come also with psychiatric problems, are involved with the legal system, live with someone who abuses drugs or alcohol, have poor social support networks, or live in poverty. This report describes a sample of adolescent clients who received treatment and/or…

The report describes three preschool Swedish children with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones) and the psychosocial support families require from society. Introductory sections explain the condition, review international research on brittle bones, consider the life situation of children with brittle bones, and examine societal support for…

A survey sent to parents of 1,189 students in grades 1 through 8 in three school districts explored the connection between family history of diabetes mellitus and learning or behavior problems. A yield of 816 returns gave results such as the following: of 418 returns for males, 233 students had a diabetic background (BG); of 398 returns for…