Objections to the traditional categorical model of special education are followed by a summary of administrative factors supporting the tradition. Reasons underlying the persistence of the categorical approach are seen to include misconceptions about the nature of the disability categories. Learning disabilities are cited as an invalid and…

Examined reliability and validity of binge eating disorder (BED), proposed for inclusion in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), fourth edition. Interrater reliability of BED diagnosis compared favorably with that of most diagnoses in DSM revised third edition. Study comparing obese individuals with and without BED and…

This study examined the impact of maternal labeling of children as gifted on the sibling relationship in 144 pairs of firstborn and secondborn siblings classified as both gifted, firstborn gifted, secondborn gifted, or neither gifted. Five aspects of the sibling relationship were examined: warmth/closeness, status/power, conflict, maternal…

This article uses a short story by Jack London to discuss the classification of individuals with mental retardation and argues that mental retardation and its various definitions are manifestations of the typological thinking that inevitably creates a simplistic and misleading aggregation of people with very diverse needs and characteristics.…

Four studies examined the tendency of preschoolers to use verbal labels versus appearance information in making novel inductive inferences. Results revealed that preschoolers tended to use trait labels of "shy" or "outgoing" rather than superficial resemblance in making psychological inferences. These results could not be attributed to biases on…

The disadvantages of the R. Heber, the World Health Organization, and the A.A.M.D. (1973) classifications of mental deficiency are discussed. (Author/CL)

The article summarizes concurrent policy and practice concerning categorical and noncategorical diagnostic procedures for young handicapped children. The strengths and weaknesses of four noncategorical policy options are discussed. Potential misuses of noncategorical policies are reviewed, and recommendations for policy research are offered.…

The author reviews the history of the category of educable mental retardation (EMR), asserts that students with this label are more like children with academic or behavioral difficulties than they are like their more retarded peers, and suggests an approach focusing on returning EMR students to the regular school curriculum. (CL)

The Canadian article explores some of the implications of assigning handicapped children to two commonly used categories: learning disabilities and hearing impairments. (Author/DLS)

Discusses historical and contemporary influences on changes in special education assessment, emphasizing three persistent themes: accurate classification, fairness to minority students, and special education outcomes. Dunn's contributions to each theme are discussed, along with other influences such as legislation and litigation. Current dynamics…

The categorical stability of 523 students with mild handicaps was investigated in a retrospective study of special education records. Results indicated that many students had at least two different classifications during their school years. Analyzed were the stability of various categories, student age when changes took place, and predictors of…