This article considers the increased identification of special educational needs in Australia's largest education system from the perspectives of senior public servants, regional directors, principals, school counsellors, classroom teachers, support class teachers, learning support teachers, and teaching assistants (n = 30). While their…

This study investigated stressors related to including learners with intellectual disabilities in 55 mainstream classrooms in two South African provinces. Analysis of teacher-completed questionnaires and interviews identified five main stressors: administrative issues; support; the behavior of the learner; the teacher's self-perceived competence;…

Thirty students (ages 7 to 18) with moderate intellectual disabilities were interviewed individually and their counting skills and number concepts assessed. Results showed a significant difference among the three age groups on all number skills assessed, and learning patterns were similar to those of students with normal intelligence.…

This study investigated the peer-related social functioning of 291 children, ages 8-17, diagnosed with varying attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) subtypes. Subjects were given the Interpersonal Relationships Questionnaire. Analyses of variance revealed significant differences in self-reports by group for five of six questionnaire…

This article considers the perseverative and passive behavior patterns common in children with intellectual disabilities and often the focus of educational interventions. It suggests that, instead of always being an impediment to progress, these behaviors may sometimes be appropriate and adaptive responses of a slow mind to coping in a world that…

This study examined 125 Finnish teachers' attitudes toward the integration of students with severe and profound intellectual disabilities one year after their mandated transition from the social service system into the comprehensive school system. About 80% of respondents thought the best placement for these students was in full- or part-time…

This study examined the self-esteem of 50 mothers of children with intellectual disabilities living in central Greece and 50 similar mothers of non-disabled children. Results indicated significantly lower self-esteem for mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. The best predictor of positive maternal self-esteem in the disabled group…

This review of "Foundations of Stuttering" by Marcel Wingate stresses the book's focus on debunking prevailing myths about stuttering and presenting evidence that supports stuttering as a disorder of speech control. The book is recommended for professionals interested in the field, especially speech pathologists or others with a background in…

This article reviews research on the use of strategies by children with autism to repair communicative breakdowns and discusses the possible links between communicative breakdowns and the emergence of problem behavior in children with autism. Strategies for decreasing risk of communicative breakdown and teaching repair strategies are considered.…

Knowledge about Down syndrome and attitudes toward the inclusion of children with Down syndrome were examined in 2,053 community members and 538 experienced teachers. Both groups displayed reasonably accurate knowledge. However, they significantly underestimated life expectancy. Around 20% of each group believed the regular classroom was the best…

Antisocial behavior in children was examined in relation to the personality theory of Hans Eysenck. The theory argues the interaction of Psychoticism, Extroversion, and Neuroticism with socialization experiences produce personality. Eysenck's instruments also contain a Lie scale. A literature review (n=11) supports the role of Psychoticism and Lie…

Twenty-three years of observation and testing of the communication skills of a male with agenesis of the corpus callosum and normal IQ revealed initial weakness in language. Difficulties with fluent speech persisted into young adulthood. With intensive intervention, communication and academic skills developed and the participant completed high…

This essay reviews "Special Education: A Matter of Choice" (Josephine Jenkinson), a book that discusses the major issues and changes that have occurred in special education in the various states and territories of Australia over the past 30 years. It is concluded that the book is an extremely useful guide. (CR)

This article discusses major conceptual and methodological issues that have arisen in intervention research, with a focus on interventions for learning problems, particularly reading problems. Research examples are presented to illustrate how conceptual and methodological factors in intervention research can be taken into consideration in the…

This article discusses the impact of legislative and special education policy on the educational enrollment of students with a disability across Australia. Enrollment trends in New South Wales and Victoria are examined and discussed within the context of their respective special education policies, disability discrimination legislation, and…