Study Design: A systematic review of the literature. Objectives: To describe which environmental factors have an impact on community participation of persons with an intellectual disability. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for the period of 1996-2006 in Pubmed, CINAHL and PSYCINFO. Search terms were derived from the…

The authors review research developments in the assessment and training of social skills with mentally retarded populations. A number of issues are discussed, including the need for totally individually tailored programs and the incorporation of the more subtle aspects of social competency into social skills training. (Author)

Findings of 43 studies examining the effects of class placement on social adjustment of mentally retarded students were reviewed. Studies met the following criteria: (1) they investigated the class placement of mentally retarded students; (2) they included a dependent measure of social adjustment; and (3) they reported quantitative tests of…

Examines the construct validity of the Adaptive Behavior Scale-School: 2 (ABS-S: 2) through exploratory factor analysis. Results indicate that the ABS-S: 2 is best understood as a two-factor instrument for both children with mental retardation and for those without mental retardation. The test does seem to reflect personal independence and social…

Adaptive behavior and mental retardation are addressed in terms of their historical relationship, current definitions and concepts, and issues related to structure and content. The role of community environmental factors in the adaptive behavior of mentally retarded persons is examined. Through a case study, implications of using adaptive behavior…

Mentally retarded high school graduates, most of whom live with their parents, tend to make adequate adult adjustments with employment. High school vocational programs for disabled students are underutilized. Gender is statistically related to the employment status of the disabled, who usually work in unskilled service and labor jobs that they…

Discusses the Regular Education Initiative used to introduce students with mild mental retardation into classes with their peers for academic purposes. Seeks to provide unique alternatives and suggestions for the inclusion of students with mental retardation into groups with their peers. Offers a primary prevention model focusing on group…