Two groups of children (ages 8 and 12) with reading disabilities and verbal deficits were given a memory-for-colors task designed to evaluate intra- and intermodal serial memory functioning. Results suggest developmental differences in relative influence of specific modalities in immediate memory functions, but emphasize intramodal verbal factors…

Prevalence of minor somatic complaints for learning-disabled children (N=30) was compared to that of two control groups: normal (N=559) and educable mentally retarded children (N=69). LD Ss demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of complaints, but the extent of resulting absenteeism was less than that of nonhandicapped children. (Author/CL)

In an investigation of comprehension monitoring skills of learning disabled and average seventh-grade students, average students spontaneously activated comprehension monitoring strategies thereby noting the text inconsistencies regardless of the condition. Learning disabled students, however, activated these strategies only when cued to do so.…

Two-digit span tasks compared the distraction performance of 32 learning disabled (LD) high schoolers and non LD Ss. No differential distraction effect was found on the first set (matching nondistraction and distraction conditions). In set two, (distraction condition was designed to be more discriminating), a differential distraction effect was…

A telephone helpline in California designed to answer questions about learning problems and provide resources and referrals produced a dramatic increase in calls since its beginning. Such a system can be of further help by analyzing community information needs, preparing resource material, and providing training to professionals. (CL)

The article reviews research on phonemic analysis in beginning reading instruction. Research is of two types: (1) evidence that children with reading difficulties also have difficulties analyzing the phonological structure of speech; and (2) data showing that training for awareness of phonemic segments can help in learning to read. (Author/CL)

Most of 32 learning disabled children (seven to 14 years old) with neurological lateralization characteristics marked by right and left hemispheres had a normal CT (computerized tomography) scan. (CL)

Findings revealed significant correlations between all three measures of visual motor development as well as those measures and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised Performance IQ. The VMI-Revised appeared appropriate for measuring paper/pencil fine motor aspects of visual perceptual development in children. (CL)

An awareness program designed to help teachers recognize subtle patterns of their own behavior regarding learning disabled (LD) students did not affect the frequency of teacher-LD student interactions and responses but decreased nonsupportive verbal and negative nonverbal behavior toward the students. (CL)

The article suggests that results of psychological assessment should be communicated to families of disabled children in a way that would combine understandable information with a family treatment plan. Case examples illustrate the use of feedback to alter cognition as well as family structure. (CL)

The cognitive problem solving model, used in an educational seminar designed to reduce anxiety of parents of learning disabled children through increasing their cognitive understanding, is illustrated in three case studies, two of which demonstrated increased understanding and more adequate functioning. (CL)

After a year of participation in an intermediary setting, the "Learning Laboratory," analyses of pre- and post-academic measures indicated that sixth- to eighth-grade learning disabled students demonstrated significant reading gains when compared with control students; ninth- to twelfth-grade learning disabled students did not demonstrate academic…

Five of six learning disabled students (aged eight to 11) demonstrated greater attention span toward classroom tasks on days of a running program than on nonrunning days. Further, three Ss evidenced more impulse control on running days, and as a whole, Ss demonstrated less disruptive behavior on running days. (CL)

This case study investigated linguistic rule application skills in an adult with spelling disabilities. Data suggest that in cases where spelling subskills are deficient, increased task structure may enable the LD speller to apply rule knowledge and subskill competencies more effectively. (Author/CL)

Options for special educators in creating computer assisted instruction for handicapped learners are examined, including machine code (such as BASIC), authoring languages, authoring systems, and commercially available shell programs. Examples of each are cited. (CL)