Opposing views regarding the connection between lead exposure and cognitive impairment are presented. C. B. Ernhart states that no study has yet proved that low-level lead exposure is detrimental to child development, while H. L. Needleman asserts that previous research studies have proven conclusively that such a connection exists. (CB)

Complex motor tics associated with vocal tics indicate a high likelihood of Tourette syndrome; children with this syndrome may also have learning disabilities and attentional disorders. Individuals may be treated with stimulant drugs which may precipitate or exacerbate tics. Pharmacotherapy is available for management of tics and attentional…

A case study of the speech evaluation of a three-year-old illustrates the effectiveness of a technique for structured assessment of preschoolers who demonstrate anxiety or reluctance to interact. The technique capitalizes on preschoolers' preexistent relationship with television, using video equipment to establish clinical rapport and conduct…

The practice of posthumously diagnosing historical figures is discussed. Emphasis is on the unsatisfactory nature of evidence found for those diagnosed as learning-disabled or dyslexic and the possibility of other explanations for identified problems. Posthumous diagnoses of Auguste Rodin, George Patton, Thomas Edison, Woodrow Wilson, and Albert…

A review of research regarding the self-concept, locus of control, temperament, problem behavior, and social status of learning-disabled (LD) adolescents reveals a general lack of information, conflicting results, and methodological pitfalls inherent in the study of LD adolescent personality and behavioral development. (CB)

Special education programs and support services for individuals with learning disabilities must be part of an education agency's total instructional program and must not be regarded as a separate and parallel system. Recommendations regarding program and service planning and implementation and service options are presented. (CB)

While the regular education initiative (also called regular education/special education initiative) has merit, the powerful complexities and dimensions inherent in the changes that are called for must be acknowledged. Excerpts from statements by teacher educators, Education Department officials, researchers, and national associations reflect the…

The exploratory study examined patterns of regional cerebral blood flow in a surface and a deep dyslexic during reading. Significant differences in gray matter blood flow were found between subjects and normal controls. Also differences existed between the surface and deep dyslexic in the distribution of cortical perfusion. (Author/DB)

When temperament, self-concept, and locus of control were compared among learning-disabled (N=38) third- through sixth- graders and matched peers, a multivariate difference was demonstrated with specific univariate effects in task orientation and social flexibility, partially supporting the characterization of learning-disabled students as…

When second- through fifth-grade learning disabled (N=24) and nonhandicapped (N=24) boys were shown four hypothetical social situations and then interviewed about social interaction goals and strategies, the learning-disabled students were found to perform with less social competence and at lower developmental levels than nonhandicapped peers in…

Learning-disabled (N=48) and nonlearning-disabled (N=48) fourth- and fifth-grade boys were given a task and told they had either succeeded or failed. Results indicated that learning-disabled subjects showed greater persistence, attributed outcomes to external factors, and did not exhibit lower performance expectations nor show greater expectancy…

Investigation of examiners' (N=44) evaluations of writing performance of learning-disabled (LD) students indicated that the LD label influenced ratings assigned by examiners (undergraduate education students) who were simply familiarized with the scoring procedure. Evaluations by examiners who received additional practice and training were not…

The paper describes learning disabled children as disassociated learners (not actively involved in the learning process). The framework shows how it may be logically conceptualized that some children disassociate themselves from academic learning and come to be termed learning disabled. (Author/CL)

The authors assert that progress in conceptualizing learning disabilities and related intervention procedures is dependent on systematic, consistent, and educationally grounded theory, and that each practitioner should adopt a system and use it consistently. A cognitive-field model is illustrated and its use as a foundation for educating LD…

Learning Disabled children (N=198) were tested on both the WISC-R (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised) and K-ABC (Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children). Joint factor analysis produced three-factor and four-factor solutions. Factors corresponding to three K-ABC scales generally converged with three WISC-R factors. (Author/CL)