The hemophilia community has been deeply affected by the catastrophe of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The use of blood products that had first restored the potential for normal survival now bring the threat of AIDS infection and fear and discrimination from others. Strong leadership has come from the National Hemophilia Foundation.…

Seventy mentally retarded adults exposed to an educational program in preventive oral hygiene exhibited significant reduction in dental disease. (Author/CL)

Based on interviews with 24 families, the article discusses family planning and the choices available to those families in which a child has previously died from Tay-Sachs or related lipid storage diseases. (IM)

A four-stage framework for considering the development of public policy in regard to the issue of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection is offered. The phases are denial, irrationality, acceptance, and the development of a rational response. Federal antidiscrimination policies which include persons with HIV infections as disabled are…

This paper presents the Institute of Medicine model of the dynamic nature of the disabling process of both primary disabilities and secondary conditions, and the interaction of that process with risk factors and quality of life. The components of a comprehensive disability prevention program are discussed. (Author/JDD)

Caselaw that functions as law until statutes are enacted has been characteristic of legal issues surrounding the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) diseases. In most cases such caselaw has protected the civil rights of persons with HIV/AIDS under established law as well as the traditions of Western…

The special developmental needs of young children with congenital HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection require evaluation, training, therapy, and other supports. Such services should be guided by developmentalists in a child study center in close alliance with medical, educational, and community service providers. Concerns about the…

The article reviews issues of diagnosis and treatment of children with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. A spectrum of clinical signs is correlated with serological results. The intense central nervous system involvement typically present in childhood cases is examined. (DB)

Since children with symptomatic HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection show a variety of neurodevelopmental impairments including mental retardation and motor abnormalities as well as a variety of clinical courses, rehabilitative services must be established to meet the complex needs of this growing population. (Author/DB)

Since adults with developmental disabilities may be particularly vulnerable to the acquisition of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection, service providers need to consider educational and ethical issues. The use of advisory committees and strong antidiscrimination measures may be needed to protect such persons. (Author/DB)

Fifty-eight people (ages 2 to 66) receiving residential or other services for idiopathic mental retardation were evaluated for evidence of metabolic disease. Five (8%) demonstrated symptoms pointing to specific genetic metabolic defects, suggesting the need for evaluation of other similar populations with idiopathic mental retardation. (Author/DB)

The literature review focuses on psychosocial aspects of galactosemia (an inborn metabolic error which, if untreated, may lead to retardation or death). (Author/CL)

Since people with developmental disabilities may be particularly vulnerable to the acquisition of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), prevention education is critical. Key principles utilized in existing models are discussed with recommendations for adapting these models to persons with mild/moderate mental retardation offered. (Author/DB)

This descriptive study of 25 patients (ages 3 to 35) with severe/profound mental retardation and self-injurious behavior (SIB) found that 7 patients had previously undiagnosed medical conditions likely to cause pain or discomfort. Six of the seven patients experienced decreased SIB with treatment of their medical conditions. Results support the…