This study examines the results of the Alternative Identification and Reporting (AIR) program, which promoted the nonuse of disability labels for students receiving special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (i.e., students who would previously have been identified as having an emotional/behavioral disorder, specific…

This article explores how Greek Cypriot elementary school children construct their identities in relation to Sri Lankan and Filipino women who come to Cyprus as domestic workers. The article focuses primarily on the views of children whose families employ these women; however, the views of children whose families do not employ domestic workers are…

Evaluated the effect of the label hyperactive by asking 140 school psychologists and pediatricians to recommend various assessments and interventions for a child displaying symptoms of hyperactivity. Results showed the effect of labels appears minimal. Recommending psychostimulant medication was the only treatment method influenced by the label.…

The meaning of the category and concept of mild mental retardation is explored through the words of fictional characters and the accounts of real people who have been injured and stigmatized by the label. Examples of the extremes to which people have gone to avoid or escape the term mental retardation are provided. The classification of mild…

A report by N. Hobbs and his colleagues to the Department of Health, Education and Welfare concerning the effects of classifying and labeling handicapped children is summarized. (GW)

Among findings of a study investigating the effects of labeling children as learning disabled (LD) or emotionally disturbed (ED) on the assessment by 128 Ss of four case studies was that behaviors of emotionally disturbed children were more disturbing and less accepted when they were thought to be exhibited by a LD child than by an ED child. (IM)

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.…

Over the last decade, notable advances have been made in the classification of child and adolescent psychopathology. The use of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-III (DSM-III) diagnostic categories for depression with children and adolescents was investigated using archival classification data spanning an 8-year time period.…

Discusses some of the negative effects classifying and labeling has on children entering the elementary grades. (DD)

Three studies examined the capacity of 4-year olds, kindergartners, second- and fifth graders, and adults to use trait labels (nice, mean, shy, not shy) as tools for making inferences about mental states. Findings suggested that even for 4-year olds, trait labels can serve as a basis for making non-obvious inferences. (Author/KB)

This study examined the influence of diagnostic criteria and diagnostic labels for psychopathy or conduct disorder on judicial decisions. A national sample of judges (N = 326) rendered hypothetical dispositions based on 1 of 12 mock psychological evaluations. The evaluations varied the presence of 2 sets of diagnostic criteria (antisocial…

Addresses the ubiquitous practices of trait inference and labeling, inference of motives, and the conceptual division of prosocial and antisocial behavior into dichotomous entities. In the case of children who are "acting-out" at an excessively high frequency, these alternatives are more humane and useful in a pragmatic, scientific sense.…

Presents a review of several factors that lead to the label of "disadvantaged," with a focus on children with blindness or visual impairment. It is noted that these children are at greater risk to be considered as disadvantaged. Practical solutions to these disadvantaging circumstances are offered. (Author/CR)

Some researchers have attributed school learning problems to students entering school too early. Investigated relationship between students' month of birth and learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, and speech and language delays in 1,951 identified students with these disabilities. Analysis did not find that late-birthdate children were…

Three databases were analyzed to investigate the range and frequency of terms in the field of mental retardation/developmental disabilities. The most prevalent term over the last 15 years was "mentally retarded." The terms "cognitive impairment" and "developmental disabilities" have been used more frequently in the last five years. (Author/CR)