This article provides a review of several studies, which used the Minnesota Multiphasis Personality Inventory (MMPI) to attempt to differentiate adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs). The studies focused on either non-clinical ACOAs or alcoholic ACOAs. Overall, the MMPI differentiated ACOAs, but the degree and patterns of elevations varied…

Reviews literature pertaining to diagnosis of young children with psychotic symptoms and concludes that infantile autism and childhood schizophrenia constitute two distinct groups. A third diagnostic category, developmental psychosis, is proposed and illustrated by a detailed case history. (Author/RH)

The review attempts to identify the myth, mystery, and substance of the salient issues regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and cause of hyperkinesis. In addition to a general discussion and categorization of the research findings, a set of criteria is established to assist with identification and clinical judgment. (Author/SB)

The article discusses research and development affecting the hearing impaired and deaf in the areas of line quality, hearing aid technology, diagnostic and rehabilitative procedures for using telephones with hearing aids, and keyboard telecommunication devices for the profoundly deaf. Potential future developments are also explored. (Author)

This paper considers the insights that can be gained into the 'actual' curriculum, as compared to the 'intended' curriculum, by using an approach which probes the structure of children's understanding. This approach, known as the clinical interview, can be used by teachers and curriculum evaluators to help children understand curriculum content.…

The association of hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa has been generally recognized as the genetic disorder of Usher's syndrome. The article reviews findings of this syndrome and suggests strategies for dealing with the clinical and psychological problems displayed by Usher's syndrome patients. (Author/SW)

Child custody evaluators commonly find themselves confronted with resistance when they attempt to use the term parental alienation syndrome (PAS) in courts of law. The purpose of this article is to elucidate the reasons for the reluctance to use the PAS diagnosis and the applicability of parental alienation, as well as current DSM-IV substitute…

The paper argues that listeners are unable to judge unit-by-unit occurrences of stuttering acceptably. Reasons for this state of affairs and its implications for therapy, theory, and research are analyzed. An alternative speech production definition with its implications is proposed, and a diagnostic method of validating authentic stuttering is…

The article examines effective assessment and placement practices in the use of augmentative communication with severely disabled persons through use of a case study and review of the pertinent literature. Models of assessment considered are the Decision-Making Matrix and the Pre-Verbal Communication Schedule. (DB)

This paper reviews 20 studies that investigated the internal or external validity of various subtypes of autistic spectrum disorders. At least three groups could be distinguished from autism on clinical grounds: an Asperger syndrome subtype, and two atypical subtypes characterized by either low intelligence quotient or high intelligence quotient.…

Describes development of cognitive therapy (CT) for depression and its application to diverse clinical populations. Examines how CT works and discusses both limitations of CT and recent developments and modifications of the therapy that have evolved in response to these perceived limitations and that bring it closer to other therapy approaches.…

This article on medical diagnosis of the sexually abused child summarizes clinical research on physical findings in nonabused children, abused children, and abused children with independent confirmation of abuse. A classification of physical findings is proposed along a continuum of certainty that sexual abuse has occurred. (Author/JDD)

Reviews the current research and clinical views on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in school-age youth which, although not a high prevalence problem, is a greatly underrecognized condition. Discussion focuses on differentiation from normality and related psychopathological disorders, biological and psychological factors in etiology, school…

This paper describes current neurological knowledge regarding the recognition, diagnosis, and classification of frontal lobe seizures, and then critiques a study by A. Gedye which suggested that self-injury may be involuntary and related to frontal lobe seizure activity. (JDD)

Provides information about professional counselors' use of the mental status examination (MSE) in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Includes an overview of the MSE format and explanation of terminology, counseling skills used for the MSE, considerations in using the MSE across cultures and age groups, and guidelines for writing an MSE…