The author argues against the medical model of screening children for the early identification of special education needs. He proposes an alternate system which concentrates not on labeling children, but on the improvement of instruction for all, an approach which is exemplified by the reading program in Salford. (SJL)

Presents a series of personal guidelines for promoting the culturally sensitive psychiatric diagnosis of Mexican American/Chicano clients. The insights are intended to supplement other clinicians' diagnoses, to promote the culturally sensitive application of the DSM-IV, and to challenge counselors to avoid misdiagnosis by reexamining their…

As a sequel to an earlier case study, the article recounts the author's visit with a young man in the Nebraska penitentiary whose journey began 12 years before with special education services and subsequent placement in a variety of diagnostic and treatment centers. (JW)

A survey instrument concerning knowledge and skills needed by educational diagnosticians was developed and validated by 137 members of the Council for Educational Diagnostic Services (CEDS). Validated statements were used to formulate a policy statement which was approved by CEDS membership. (JDD)

This essay notes the complexities inherent in classifying pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), especially when a single classification scheme is to be used for clinical, research, and administrative purposes. The paper considers principles of classification, symptomatology, the neuropsychiatric interface, the value of a multiaxial approach,…

This paper reviews factors in the professional neglect of multiple personality disorder (MPD) and sexual abuse in childhood, as well as recent diagnostic developments in childhood dissociative disorders. The identification of subtle dissociative symptomatology in children is illustrated, and two case examples are presented. (Author)

This article summarizes the literature on attention deficit disorders (both with and without hyperactivity), diagnostic criteria, the disorder's prevalence, developmental course, and proposed etiologies. A conceptual framework for designing a comprehensive assessment battery is presented with specific attention to the relationship between…

This paper postulates that cultural and societal factors have exerted a powerful force on the conceptualization and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. A functional assessment approach is presented, along with a model for classifying performance deficits and methods for selecting intervention strategies based on the model.…

Prenatal diagnostic procedures that can determine the existence of genetic diseases or chromosome disorders such as Down's syndrome are described, and legal considerations are outlined. Arguments for and against aborting fetuses with Down's syndrome are presented, and the need for genetic counseling for prospective parents is emphasized.…

Discusses integrating the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised (DSM-III-R) training into the school, marriage and family, and mental health counseling tracks of a master's level program that was designed according to Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs standards. (Author)

Lyme disease may be one of the most commonly misdiagnosed diseases of this decade. Health educators should be knowledgeable about this new disease and be able to share with the public information about prevention, early signs and symptoms, and treatment of the disease (Author/IAH)

Describes the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised and discusses its use in diagnosing learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adolescents and adults. It addresses ethical and legal issues, the schism of standardized testing vs. modifications, assessment alternatives, and practitioner guidelines. (DB)

This article critically analyzes available definitions of learning disability. The general problem of definition is discussed first, followed by a discussion of individual definitions from the earliest to the latest. It is concluded that the definitions fail to provide substantive insight into the nature of the condition. (Contains extensive…

Developmental Counseling and Therapy offers an approach to the fourth Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders classification systems that enables the reframing of severe client distress as a logical response to developmental history. Specific suggestions for positive case management and practice, multicultural issues, etiology, and…

Discusses adolescent marijuana use as an issue of concern to the community at large, noting that physicians now have the technology to identify marijuana use and thus are in a unique position to deal with the issue. Addresses the moral issues related to screening and surveillance of adolescent marijuana use and postulates the justification for…