Examines rates of referral for psychological assessment, speech, reading, and learning disabilities of physically attractive children, raising the question of how children's physical appearance affects the liklihood of their being referred for treatment if they are good looking. (RB)

The placement of a child, especially a black child, in a class for mental retardation on the basis of a purely psychometric criterion cannot be tolerated. The use of a multi-dimensional assessment model is suggested, involving diagnosis in several areas of functioning: physiological, academic achievement, intellectual functioning, perceptual, and…

A controlled, double-blind study used the drug pemoline or a placebo in the management of hyperkinetic behavior with 413 children between 6 and 12 years of age diagnosed as having minimal brain dysfunction. (Author/DB)

The paper describes six skills that can be used to improve the reading comprehension of learning disabled students. The skills can be utilized in a reading program or with reading in a content area. Examples from particular models of instruction are provided as well as a rationale for each. The skills may be used either individually, as a…

The paper explores ways that families choose a doctor for their child and offers guidelines for physician selection especially for parents with children who have learning disabilities or attention deficit disorders. Results of a survey of parents are reported indicating that parents used an average of only 1.2 sources of information in identifying…

The paper looks at purposes of educational assessment of children with learning disabilities, assessment of the whole child, the plan for an assessment battery, the nuances of carrying out the assessment, and communication of the results to maximize appropriate follow up. Assessment purposes identified include screening, determining eligibility,…

The literature on spelling strategies of normal and learning disabled children is reviewed, and suggestions for the classroom teacher are offered. After a brief examination of this century's attempts to improve the basic school speller, attention is directed to M. Halle and N. Chomsky's research on the English sound system and Chomsky's theory of…

The article discusses the measurement of brain electrical activity and, in particular, the examination of electroencephalographic (EEG) data, as providing useful information in the diagnosis of dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Topographic imaging of EEG (TIE) is described as a procedure which provides functional data at comparatively low…

The paper presents an analysis of learning disabilities (LD) issues from a systems perspective. Noted are the possible causative factors, different manifestations of the condition, and maturational delays in age appropriate ego functioning. Difficulties of parenting a handicapped child are said to be magnified for families with limited resources.…

The paper addresses the needs of learning disabled (LD) students making the transition to secondary schools. Ways in which learning disabilities may magnify typical adolescent concerns are noted, such as social difficulties presented by poor perceptual skills and the effects of poor self image. Recent research suggesting successful strategies for…

Part of a study on the link between LD (learning disabilities) and delinquency, the paper summarizes the literature on the prevalence of handicapped juveniles in the justice system. Following a review of methodological limitations in the literature, the paper summarizes findings about the prevalence of emotional disturbances, mental retardation…

The booklet outlines Vermont's procedures for identifying learning disabled (LD) students. Following an introduction and a review of definitions of LD, information is presented on the pre-referral process (including the composition and function of the building based support team and procedures for data collection). The eligibility process is…

The learning disabilities literature of the past 15 years pertaining to sex differences is reviewed, including prevalence in children, socialization effects, physiological vulnerability, family patterns, differing expectations of parents and teachers, and differing patterns of response to failure. Analysis of data obtained over the last 2 years on…

The present investigation was intended to provide information on the type of strategies employed by learning disabled (LD) students on standardized, group-administered achievement test items. Of particular interest was level of strategy effectiveness and possible differences in strategy use between LD and non-disabled students. Students attending…