The psychometric characteristics of 12 adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and a group without PWS but with other similar traits were compared. Results found cognitive, behavioral and educational traits often associated with PWS to be present in both groups, illustrating the importance of control/comparison groups in research establishing…

Platelet serotonin (5HT) levels of 5 autistic subjects (ages 16-37) who had siblings with either autism or pervasive developmental disorder were significantly higher than levels of 23 autistic subjects without affected siblings. Autistic subjects without affected siblings had 5HT levels significantly higher than 10 normal controls. Sex, age, and…

Thirty-seven adult dissociative disorder patients who reported ritual abuse in childhood by satanic cults are described. A clinical syndrome is presented that includes dissociative states with satanic overtones, posttraumatic stress disorder, survivor guilt, unusual fears, and substance abuse. Questions concerning reliability, credibility, and…

Standardization data based on responses of 616 Puerto Ricans to the Spanish version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (D. Wechlser, 1981) reveal reliability data and base rates to assist in evaluating the clinical significance of differences between Performance Intelligence Quotient (PIQ) and Verbal Intelligence Quotient (VIQ).…

Explores the diagnostic criteria of developmental coordination disorder, a condition that is characterized by motor awkwardness and has a strong association with psychiatric disorders and learning disabilities. Delineates the nature of developmental coordination disorder and discusses its treatment through occupational therapy and cognitive…

Although probably a heterogeneous condition, autism includes a class of individuals who also have neurological impediments manifested as disturbances of movement, balance, posture, and gait. Neuromotor and neurobehavioral assessments are reviewed to improve the classification of the impairment and to facilitate the utilization of therapies…

A study investigated the mental health needs of 127 British adults with intellectual disability by using the Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with a Developmental Disability (PAS-ADD). Results showed that there was a good deal of unmet mental health need and there is difficulty in targeting services to those who need them. (CR)

This article discusses the consequences of labeling individuals with high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome. It describes three ways people respond to a diagnosis: with energy and improved confidence, with a retreat into the disability and withdrawal from relationships, and with resentment for being singled out. (Contains three references.)…

This study examined factors associated with repeat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing among seronegative subjects (half of whom reported engaging in high-risk behaviors), noting behavior change following counseling and testing. Surveys indicated those with high-risk behaviors were more likely to be retested. There was minimal behavior…

Dementia because of Alzheimer's disease (AD) commonly affects older adults with Down's syndrome (DS). Methods are needed, with established concurrent and predictive validity, to facilitate the diagnostic assessment of dementia, when it is complicated by pre-existing intellectual disabilities (ID). We report on the reliability and validity of a…

The present study investigated dysarthric symptoms in children with cerebellar tumors. Ten children with cerebellar tumors and 10 orthopedic control children were tested prior and one week after surgery. Clinical dysarthric symptoms were quantified in spontaneous speech. Syllable durations were analyzed in syllable repetition and sentence…

Introduction: This study used quality of life and resilience as theoretical frameworks for evaluating predictors of outcomes for adults who received foster care services alumni of foster care and were diagnosed with a physical or psychiatric disability while in foster care. Method: First, outcomes for foster care alumni with and without physical…

Diagnosing ADHD based primarily on symptom reports assumes that the number/frequency of symptoms is tied closely to the impairment imposed on an individual's functioning. That presumed linkage encourages diagnosis more by "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (4th ed.) style symptom lists than well-defined,…

Subjects with higher verbal than performance IQ's achieved significantly poorer Pascal-Suttell Bender-Gestalt scores than subjects with higher performance over verbal IQ's. The latter subjects were more likely to have dropped out of high school and to have spent some time in prison. (Author/RD)

The Improvisation Test for Individuals consists of 12 roleplays that represent a variety of interpersonal situations. Test teams evaluated the reactions of the subjects to the roleplays and determined interrater reliabilities. Subjects found the roleplays generally realistic and their own performances lifelike. Interrater reliabilities were…