The paper presents the thesis that mild mental subnormality developed as a "scientific," hence natural, explanation for the socially unacceptable behavior of economically marginal persons. The history of such labels as "moron,""imbecile," and "moral imbecile" is traced to the late 19th century emphasis on…

The paper describes the evolution of a special education delivery sytem in a Montgomery, New Jersey township. It is pointed out that the project's first year focused in preparing teaching, administrative, and Child Study Team members for project participation through meetings and newsletters. Noted are two goals which emerged from meeting…

Suggests that counselors develop a classsification system of human behavior that is comprehensive, descriptive, developmental, and compatible with a variety of theoretical backgrounds rather than accept the negative classification system of psychiatry. The system recognizes the role of learning and development in maladaptive behavior. (JAC)

If the best interests of individuals are to be served through systems, every individual should publicize and actively support implementation of systems that respond appropriately to individual needs. School counselors, by their training and their roles as advocates for children, must be in the front lines of this effort. (Author)

Assessment of behavior disorders and emotional disturbances in children is difficult to achieve because a generally recognized classification system does not exist, definitions of emotional disturbance are not clear, incidence figures vary, and many hypotheses are available. A multidimensional approach to assessment is recommended. (Author/CP)

Points out three difficulties with the Munz-Smouse test anxiety classification scheme. Describes an alternative procedure and illustrates its advantages over the Munz-Smouse procedure. (RL)

Sixteen-year-old EMR children were administered the WAIS and WISC-R in counterbalanced order to determine the comparability of the two assessment instruments. The WAIS was found to yield significantly higher scores. Results suggest differences between the two instruments among children of subnormal intelligence. (Author)

School personnel often misclassify a conduct-disordered student as severely emotionally disturbed, following a serious offense. Educators must remember, however, that mislabeling a child to obtain services, prevent expulsion, or remove the child to a special classroom is both inappropriate and unethical. Legal language should be clarified, and…

This study used a quasi-experimental design to examine the effect of being diagnosed with a learning disability on elementary school children's self-esteem. Findings indicated that self-esteem increased significantly above prediagnosis of a learning disability while self-esteem levels in a control group of children without learning disabilities…

The life stories of 12 adults diagnosed with dyslexia as children were examined. Findings indicate that by school age, all participants noted self-esteem problems when they experienced struggles or failures in school. Testing and diagnosis improved self-esteem when conducted in a relevant manner that led to adaptation. (Contains references.)…

This article considers whether Asperger syndrome (AS) should necessarily be viewed as a disability or as a difference. It concludes that "difference" is a more neutral and fair description. A model (the emphasizing-systemizing model) is summarized that attempts to define in what way individuals with AS are different. (Contains references.)…

Examined 75 children previously diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Reexamined initial reasons for referral. Nearly one-third of diagnosed ADHD group was reclassified with mental disorders. Concluded that comorbidity among ADHD symptoms, other mental disorders, and learning disabilities has rendered 8 of 14 ADHD…

Education names and classifies individuals. This result seems unavoidable. For example, some students will graduate, and some will not. Those who graduate will be "graduates"; those who do not graduate will be labeled otherwise. The only way to avoid such labeling is to fail to make distinctions of any kind. Yet education is rife with…

"The Color of Words" tells the stories of words used in the United States to label ethnic groups or to talk about the social landscape of which ethnic groups are a part. The book defines over 850 ethnic and racial terms and expressions that convey ethnic bias or that are commonly regarded as controversial or confusing. Many entries are…

The history of the study of human mental ability is an example of the dialectic in social science between those who interpret data within the framework of existing social inequities and those who look for perspectives that might eventually dissolve inequities. The dedication of Henry Herbert Goddard to a belief in the scientific proof of…