Prevalence of intestinal parasite infection among program participants of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities for 1986-87 was estimated at 7.3%, suggesting that management of parasitic infection is improving. Males and individuals with severe/profound mental retardation were twice as likely to have…

The hemophilia community has been deeply affected by the catastrophe of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The use of blood products that had first restored the potential for normal survival now bring the threat of AIDS infection and fear and discrimination from others. Strong leadership has come from the National Hemophilia Foundation.…

Seventy mentally retarded adults exposed to an educational program in preventive oral hygiene exhibited significant reduction in dental disease. (Author/CL)

This case study of an 83-year-old woman with Down syndrome suggests she is the longest surviving person with the condition. Also noted is the lack of decline in mental function and performance of activities of daily living despite the apparently universal presence of the neuropathologic changes of Alzheimer's disease in persons with Down syndrome…

A four-stage framework for considering the development of public policy in regard to the issue of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection is offered. The phases are denial, irrationality, acceptance, and the development of a rational response. Federal antidiscrimination policies which include persons with HIV infections as disabled are…

This paper presents the Institute of Medicine model of the dynamic nature of the disabling process of both primary disabilities and secondary conditions, and the interaction of that process with risk factors and quality of life. The components of a comprehensive disability prevention program are discussed. (Author/JDD)

Caselaw that functions as law until statutes are enacted has been characteristic of legal issues surrounding the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) diseases. In most cases such caselaw has protected the civil rights of persons with HIV/AIDS under established law as well as the traditions of Western…

The special developmental needs of young children with congenital HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection require evaluation, training, therapy, and other supports. Such services should be guided by developmentalists in a child study center in close alliance with medical, educational, and community service providers. Concerns about the…

Osteoporosis screening of 107 adults, ages 40 to 60, with mental retardation who attended community-based training centers found 21 percent had osteoporosis and 34 percent had osteopenia. The most significant predictor of lower bone mineral densities were Down syndrome, mobility status, and race. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

The article reviews issues of diagnosis and treatment of children with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. A spectrum of clinical signs is correlated with serological results. The intense central nervous system involvement typically present in childhood cases is examined. (DB)

Since children with symptomatic HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection show a variety of neurodevelopmental impairments including mental retardation and motor abnormalities as well as a variety of clinical courses, rehabilitative services must be established to meet the complex needs of this growing population. (Author/DB)

Since adults with developmental disabilities may be particularly vulnerable to the acquisition of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection, service providers need to consider educational and ethical issues. The use of advisory committees and strong antidiscrimination measures may be needed to protect such persons. (Author/DB)

A public health approach was used to eliminate pinworm from a system of community residential settings for individuals with developmental disabilities. The approach involved screening and treatment of staff members and clients living and working in close proximity to index cases, and prophylactically treating many clients and staff based on…

Fifty-eight people (ages 2 to 66) receiving residential or other services for idiopathic mental retardation were evaluated for evidence of metabolic disease. Five (8%) demonstrated symptoms pointing to specific genetic metabolic defects, suggesting the need for evaluation of other similar populations with idiopathic mental retardation. (Author/DB)

Since people with developmental disabilities may be particularly vulnerable to the acquisition of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), prevention education is critical. Key principles utilized in existing models are discussed with recommendations for adapting these models to persons with mild/moderate mental retardation offered. (Author/DB)