The article reviews normal developmental patterns for naming and discusses research comparing children with normal language and those with language disorders. Implications for assessment and intervention approaches for children with word finding difficulties are noted. (CL)

Assessment tools from the counseling arena can be useful in educational settings for developing effective instructional strategies and learning environments; identifying students who would benefit from referral to a mental health professional; and promoting student's growth and well-being by fostering self-awareness and identity development. In…

Presents a model for strategic, therapeutic interventions to help children stop repetitive behavioral sequences that offer protection from painful losses, but block the grief process. (Author/RH)

This article (1) defines areas in infant and preschool evaluation where clinical judgment is typically used; (2) argues that judgment-based assessments are only as good as the objectivity, reliability, and validity of its data collection and use; and (3) offers examples of procedures and clinical methods to increase diagnostic accuracy. (Author/DB)

The development of a new standardized investigator-based interview for use in the differential diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders is described, together with a diagnostic algorithm based on its use. The algorithm correctly identified 16 autistic individuals and none of the 16 nonautistic mentally handicapped subjects. (Author/DB)

Seven functional uses of anatomical dolls in sexual abuse evaluations of young children are identified: comforter, icebreaker, anatomical model, demonstration aid, memory stimulus, diagnostic screen, and diagnostic test. The relevancy of criticisms is shown to vary greatly by doll use. The continued, informed use of anatomical dolls in sexual…

This article presents suggestions and proven effective strategies for determining eligibility, conducting diagnostic workups, and providing vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with deaf-blindness. It emphasizes that the optimal rehabilitation process begins before the clients transfer from educational programs. (Author)

After a child's autism diagnosis, how can therapists, educators, and early interventionists best support parents and caregivers? This book is filled with the first-hand parent feedback professionals need to answer this critical question. Building on their research project that captured the experiences of more than 60 families, the authors reflect…

Tourette Syndrome has a history of being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed due to its unusual and complex symptoms. This paper describes: the symptoms of Tourette Syndrome; its etiology; age of onset; therapeutic methods, such as drug therapy, psychotherapy, diet control, and hypnosis; educational implications; and employment prospects. Several…

Used a standardized simulation to identify problem-solving styles in mental health treatment planning tasks. Experienced counselors (N=34) and trainees (N=34) examined case files and wrote summaries and treatment plans for each case. Results showed problem-solving similarities for the outpatient case but differences for the inpatient case. (BH)

Difficulties facing bilingual students with learning disabilities are noted and remedial considerations outlined, including the need for establishing a dominant language and diagnosing errors in one or both languages. (CL)

The article reviews a variety of assessment instruments that psychologists can use to evaluate the visually handicapped child's residual vision; cognitive abilities; academic achievement; social, developmental, and language skills; and vocational potential. (Author)

The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, a standardized protocol for observation of social and communicative behavior associated with autism, is described. Data on interrater reliability as well as test-retest reliability and discriminant validity are provided. (Author/DB)

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a disorder characterized by multiple involuntary motor and verbal tics. This review covers the history, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, past and present treatments, associated disorders, and various educational techniques. (Author/DB)

This study of 136 children (aged 2 to 10 years) found that children referred for medical evaluation of sexual abuse will use sexually explicit behavior to demonstrate what has happened to them with nonanatomical dolls as frequently as when they are interviewed with anatomically detailed ones. (Author/DB)