The article proposes a simplified handwriting method for learning disabled children having difficulty with conventional cursive writing. The approach is based on the vertical downstroke rather than the diagonal slant and emphasizes the natural connection between manuscript letters. (Author/CL)

A review of research on the relationship of otitis media (ear infection) and learning/language/hearing disorders revealed that incidence of otitis media was twice as common in learning disabled as nonLD students; and that, in general, otitis-prone children scored below controls with frequent evidence of performance deficits. (CL)

Fifty-one studies on the relationship between hair mineral levels and human behavior covered a variety of behavior, including learning disabilities, retardation, hyperactivity, autism, and behavior disorders. High levels of certain minerals (especially lead and cadmium) and low levels of other minerals (especially potassium and sodium) associated…

Fourteen reading disabled (RD) children (9 to 13 years old) were compared with 14 control Ss on a number of cognitive tests, after which Ss rated their own performance relative to their estimate of their peers' performance. Findings showed that RD Ss had a surprisingly accurate awareness of their deficits. (Author/CL)

Research is reviewed regarding the effects of stimulant drugs on academic performance in children who are hyperactive, learning disabled, or both hyperactive and learning disabled. Among conclusions are that, while stimulants may increase, academic test scores are not particularly great, and clincial implications for adults appear minimal.…

The authors suggest the need for preservice teacher education to incorporate microcomputer technology in learning of basic instructional skills. Computer literacy should be approached in terms of classroom applications. Using the microcomputer provides immediate feedback on performance and the opportunity to vary responses and reflect on possible…

The article reviews published completed studies on the Feingold diet, which advocates elimination of artificial colorings, artificial flavorings, and salicylates to remediate hyperactivity. The review indicates that the diet is probably not effective, except perhaps in a small percentage of children. (Author/CL)

The paper reviews via meta-analysis 23 research studies investigating the Feingold hypotheses which suggests diet modification as a treatment for hyperactivity. Findings indicate that diet modification is not an effective intervention for hyperactivity as evidenced by the negligible treatment effects (only slightly greater than those expected by…

The author responds to two other articles (EC 152 801 and 152 802) questioning the benefits of the Feingold diet as treatment for hyperactivity. He cites six weaknesses with studies evaluating the Feingold approach, including small dosage levels, failure to recognize and control relevant variables, and arbitrary negative conclusions. (CL)

The article examines two topics important to educators working with learning disabled college writers: error patterns of college learning disabled, normal, and basic writers across different tasks and instructional approaches successful in improvng the written language skills of college learning disabled writers, such as sentence combining and…

Eleven adults who had been diagnosed as dyslexic in childhood were evaluated via psychological and educational testing and interviews. Reading and spelling deficits were marked, and patterns of skill weaknesses and cognitive abilities were found to have remained remarkably consistent over the approximately 17-year period. (CL)

The normal readers were able to read significantly more regular real words and nonsense words than were the learning disabled children. It was concluded that reading disabled children experience specific difficulty in learning to use the phonetic code to unlock unknown words. (Author/CL)

Studies involving 30 learning-disabled elementary students support the contention that reading comprehension difficulties among learning-disabled children are partly due to inefficient memorization strategies, and demonstrate the efficacy of practical, cost-effective mnemonic training procedures which significantly increase reading comprehension…

Hair lead content, intelligence tests, school achievement, and motor impairment assessments were obtained from 149 children aged 5 to 16. Hair lead concentration significantly discriminated between groups and significantly predicted IQ scores, independent of group classifications. Regression analyses showed a significant negative correlation…

The article reviews research on classroom behavior of learning disabled elementary school students. Topics covered include students' attention and hyperactivity, teacher-child interactions, teachers' perceptions, and the relationship between classroom behavior and achievement. Directions for future research are suggested, including research on LD…