A guideline is offered to help school nurses diagnose different kinds of emotional problems in children. (JD)

Clinical histories and physical findings are presented for 2 sisters with Rett syndrome. The older sister, age 25, was typically affected, whereas the younger sister, 22 years old, was affected with a seizure disorder showing an unusually early onset. The paper discusses hypotheses in genetic causation of Rett syndrome. (JDD)

Shaky handwriting is often the first symptom of essential tremor (ET) in children. Physical limitations include difficulty in eating and drinking. One very disabling aspect of ET is the social embarrassment it causes. The article looks at what parents and teachers can do if they suspect a child has ET. (SM)

This paper offers guidelines to compare the characteristics observed in children with autism and blindness and those observed in children with blindness alone. It distinguishes between stereotypic behaviors (blindisms) in blind individuals and similar stereotypic behaviors of children with autism. A table presents typical behavior patterns of…

This nontechnical review of the literature on Rett Syndrome, a developmental disability found only in females, examines the syndrome's history, diagnostic criteria, clinical stages, incidence, differential diagnosis, etiology, genetics, treatment approaches, and prognosis. (Author/DB)

A six-point program of diagnostic inquiry and treatment strategy for individuals with behavior disorders in addition to severe or profound mental retardation is presented, which allows alternate etiological hypotheses to be tested in a clinical setting. This format is intended to unify psychopharmacy practice in mental retardation and in general…

This study compared anatomical doll play of 35 young children referred for possible sexual abuse with 35 controls. Six conclusions are drawn, including the following: anatomical dolls did not create undue anxiety; sexual abuse could not be diagnosed solely on the basis of doll play; and practitioners must rely on supporting evidence when…

A survey of 35 postsecondary institutions with programs for learning-disabled students gathered information on the assessment instruments use to assess learning strengths and weaknesses and determine the presence of a specific learning disability. Results are reported, program characteristics are discussed, and suggestions for improving diagnostic…

This guide to Asperger syndrome first reviews clinical features (such as social isolation and a lack of empathy) and diagnosis. It then considers epidemiology and prevalence data and offers a case study. Principles of management and education are discussed, including use of structured, routine regimens, focus on the child's strengths, guided…

The article discusses the measurement of brain electrical activity and, in particular, the examination of electroencephalographic (EEG) data, as providing useful information in the diagnosis of dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Topographic imaging of EEG (TIE) is described as a procedure which provides functional data at comparatively low…

The six issues of Handi Helps presented here focus on specific issues of concern to the disabled, parents, and those working with the disabled. The two-page handi help fact sheets focus on the following topics: child sexual abuse prevention, asthma, scoliosis, the role of the occupational therapist, kidnapping, and muscular dystrophy. Each handi…

This document is one of seven publications contained in a series of materials for physicians on recognizing, intervening with, and treating adolescent alcoholism. It contains the faculty guide which accompanies the six units of study in the series, and is meant to facilitate the use of the six units of study in a variety of settings and with a…

The booklet is intended to provide an overview of Tourette Syndrome, (TS), a neurological movement disorder characterized by multiple involuntary tics, uncontrollable vocalizations, and a range of behavior problems including attention deficit and hyperactivity. Typical characteristics of TS are described along with information on etiology,…

The Autism Behavior Checklist was evaluated with 94 autistic and 63 nonautistic subjects. Although the two groups differed significantly in ratings of pathology both false positive and false negative diagnostic classifications occurred. The test appears to have merit as a screening instrument but should not be used alone to establish a diagnosis…

Simulations can help students apply basic science knowledge (which they are acquiring concurrently) to the identification and management of the physiological, metabolic, and/or anatomic problem(s) underlying the signs and the symptoms of a specific "simulated patient." The design, development, and production of these simulations are described. (JN)