Part 2 of a two-part series, the article highlights research relevant to learning disability (LD) diagnostic practices, summarizes a study of current diagnostic practices related to learning problem referrals, and contrasts three ethical perspectives used in judging the appropriateness of such activity. (See EC 120 477 for Part 1.) (Author/DLS)

The author states that the numbers of youths who previously have been served within the traditional child welfare systems, but now are refused services based upon the labels given to them, are on the rise. (Author/CL)

This commentary suggests that individuals' perceptions of mental retardation may be at least partially the result of social factors. Interactionist/phenomenological theoretical tenets are summarized to develop the view that mental retardation is socially constructed. The influence of values in how society treats people with retardation is briefly…

Argues that gays/lesbians accept Congressman William Dannemeyer's suggestion that homosexuals have been perceived as the enemy of family values whose deviance could effect the end of civilization, because such a suggestion would affirm differences instead of assimilating those differences to traditionally oppressive institutions. (RS)

Discussion of the "gifted" label notes continuing social prejudice against academic talent and the concept of "demonstrability" applied to special talents. It concludes that the problem occurs when the label is not applied as an adjective to describe demonstrated productivity, past or present, but as a noun, as if it is a global static feature of…

Discussion of the label "gifted" notes negative connotations in society in general and among educators, recent definitions of "gifted," and the contrast of these attitudes with the admiration given star athletes or performing artists. It concludes that the field of gifted education needs to provide convincing, research-based information and…

Since the late 1990s, the Independent Women's Forum (IWF) has run two major campaigns on the campuses of American colleges and universities. One, entitled "Free Cupid!," attempts to combine gender egalitarianism with conservative notions of heterosexual romance. The second campaign, entitled "Top Ten Things Your Professors Do to Skew You, "…

If a therapist conceptualizes human behavior systemically, he may process information and devise therapeutic strategies from many different vantage points, ranging from the intrapsychic to the macrosystemic. Although psychodiagnostic examination of the individual has a long history in the field of psychology, and psychodiagnostics can greatly…

Contends that there are disparities in the abilities of young children and that sound educational practices are needed to respond to these disparities. Numerous practices used with young gifted children are neither necessary nor sound. Young children perceived as gifted are vulnerable to attitudes and practices that can deprive them of childhood.…

Suggests that narcissistic, borderline, and antisocial personality disorders are not discrete diagnostic categories, but that they lie along a continuum and have in common the dimensions of degree of self-centeredness and degree of differentiation. Presents evidence supporting existence of continuum of behavior rather than discrete diagnostic…

Case studies of deaf or hearing impaired persons in institutions for the mentally retarded illustrate the ways in which the "invisible handicap" can mask cognitive ability, causing unnecessary institutionalization. (CL)

The definition of developmental disabilities clarifies the functional intent of the Developmental Disabilities Act (P.L. 95-602), but it raises many questions. Issues discussed include the advantages of labeling, individualizing, and the prescriptive potential of the definition. Problems include complexities in implementation, inconsistencies in…

Difficulties and inadequacies of the Warnock Report (a study of British special education) are discussed in terms of five areas: the categorization issue, loss of services if categories are abandoned, lack of guidelines for assessment, inattention to prevention of failure, and lack of content regarding curriculum. (CL)

In the first of two articles, the author discusses purposes of and problems involved in diagnosing learning disabilities (LD). Sections focus on three topics: the relationship between LD diagnosis and other assessment activity, the objectives of diagnostic classification, and specific conceptual concerns regarding the LD label. (Author/SBH)

Relates individual's personal story of her childhood influenced by her parent's alcoholism, her own alcoholism as a young adult, and her experiences with counseling. Asks others not to reject her because of the label "alcoholic." (ABL)