This volume presents 14 papers which address current issues and practices in special education. The papers are: (1) "National Educational Reform: General and Special Education" (Joyce Fiddler and Freddie W. Litton); (2) "Linguistically Appropriate Special Education" (Herbert Grossman); (3) "Portfolio Assessment: An Individualized Approach for General and Special Educators" (Tammy Benson, Kathleen Atkins, Freddie W. Litton); (4) "Classroom Disruption: Educational Theory as Applied to Perception and Action in Regular and Special Education" (Barbara F. Zimmerman); (5) "Community Counseling for Adults with Mental Disabilities: ADAPPT" (Sandra A. Burkhardt); (6) "Curriculum and Teachers' Attitudes: The Impact of the Change Process in Special Education" (Sheila Marie Trzcinka); (7)"The Effectiveness of Facilitative Communications on Specific Populations with Impaired Communicative Skills: Myth or Miracle" (Christine M. Kernwein); (8) "HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention for Individuals with Exceptionalities" (Carrie J. Dacko); (9) "Emotional First-Aids for Exceptional Learners" (Festus E. Obiakor, Gloria Campbell-Whatley, John O. Schwenn and Elizabeth Dooley); (10) "Fragile X Syndrome: Genetics, Characteristics, and Educational Implications" (Gail Harris-Schmidt and Dale Fast); (11) "Cognitive-Behavioral Modification for Children and Young Adolescents with Special Problems" (Tim Wahlberg); (12) "Assessing Dementia and Depression in Adults with Mental Retardation" (Kirsten Mitchell); (13) "Assessment and Treatment Implications for Alcohol and Substance Abuse Comorbid with Traumatic Brain Injury" (Randolph A. Stevens); and (14) "Sexual Abuse of Persons with Disabilities" (Kathleen A. Keating). (Individual papers contain references.) (DB)