Analysis of a national survey indicates that more than a third of children with autism, a fifth with mental retardation, and a fifth with other types of special health care needs had problems obtaining needed care from specialty doctors in the preceding year. The most common problems included getting referrals and finding providers with…

A review of 10 studies on the rates of referral for intervention or assessment of students from three racial groups (Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic), found the mean risk ratios comparing the referral rates between African American and Caucasian students were significantly different from zero. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Investigates teachers' roles in erroneous referrals of children with suspected emotional disturbance. Teachers viewed two video tapes of two elementary-age students and rated the children on several child characteristics. Results revealed that the locus of control and self-esteem of teachers, along with other factors, can predict teachers'…

A survey of 49 state directors of special education found that prereferral interventions for students suspected of having a handicap were required or recommended by most states. Also determined were types of interventions frequently used, professionals responsible for designing and implementing the interventions, and the interventions'…

This study examined effects of delayed school entry on later elementary school grade retention and special education service rates. Students (n=279) who delayed school entry were most often male and were placed in special education programs in significantly higher proportions than nondelayed-entry students. No significant effect of delayed entry…

Practical considerations concerning arena assessment of infants and young children who are at risk for developmental problems or have disabilities are addressed. This transdisciplinary, family-centered approach is described in terms of appropriate settings, the importance of establishing rapport with the child, assessment procedures, family…

Presents American Library Association guidelines for medical, legal, and business responses at general reference desks covering the role of the librarian, including interpretation, advice, confidentiality, and tact; sources, including currency and referrals; telephone or mail reference; and ethics. (MES)

This study compared 187 patients discharged from a Veterans Administration hospital rehabilitation unit with 215 discharges that occurred following implementation of a prospective payment system. There were no significant differences in demographics, self-care ability, or readmissions. Length of stay and referrals for home health care decreased,…

Interviews with 27 regular class elementary teachers confirmed that teachers hold consistent and coherent belief systems about the needs of at-risk and exceptional students and the teacher's role and responsibilities. Teachers with "preventive" beliefs had higher self-efficacy scores than those with a "restorative" (assuming that problems reside…

This study examined 510 case records of psychological services provided by Denver (Colorado) Head Start. The study focused on average child age at referral for services, referral questions most frequently posed, similarities and differences in concerns of the family and Head Start staff, psychological service actions initiated, and goals and…

This study investigated teachers' sense of efficacy and bias in decisions to refer students to special education. Teachers read a case study (under different conditions with varying student socioeconomic status and etiology of learning program) then judged student placement. Teachers' decisions were biased by variables unrelated to the student's…

Surveyed 244 Michigan agencies providing geriatric information and referral (I&R) to determine service availability, families' needs, and problems providing I&R for persons with dementia and their families. Home-delivered meals, nursing, and social work assessments were considered most available. Medical assessment was considered "very available"…

The characteristics of 128 youth with emotional and behavioral disorders referred to a multiagency care system were investigated according to agency referral, behavioral/emotional issues, and risk factors. Four types of referral profiles were identified: troubled, troubling, troubled and troubling, and at risk. Results are related to the policy…

Provides basic information about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) related to diagnosis and classroom practice. Promising strategies that have helped students with ADHD achieve positive academic results are also presented. A brief overview of the role of professional collaboration is included. (CR)

Prereferral teams have been found to reduce special education referrals. A followup study of 10 prereferral teams in a rural northwestern school district found that strategies for successful team maintenance included training and rotating members, utilizing various skills of multidisciplinary members, administrative support, and implementing a…