Ways in which games can be used as tools in observing, diagnosing, and providing educational therapy for learning dysfunctions are listed and described in a series of four related papers: (a) "Educational Therapy for Learning Dysfunctions"; (2) "Educational Therapy and Puzzles"; (3) "Educational Therapy and Reading Fluency"; and (4) "Spelling…

The article places in perspective the evolution of curriculum or instructional programs for the mildly handicapped adolescent, identifies several major influences on current practices, and examines the assumptions underlying assessment and intervention in the context of intensive instruction. (DLS)

After a brief comment on adolescent development and the problem of underachievement and learning disabilities, the procedures used by the author in the diagnosis of learning difficulties are discussed. The somewhat arbitrary distinction is made between three approaches to diagnosis; neuropsychological assessment, diagnostic reading procedures, and…

The Strategies for Effective Learning (SEL) Unit at the Alberta Vocational Centre focuses on developing and teaching cognitive strategies for adults rather than simply diagnosing them. In its initial stages the SEL unit has begun the task of assessing the value of various strategies, testing instruments, and procedures for learning disabled…

The usage of the terms "diagnosis" and "prescription" in the fields of medicine and electronic troubleshooting is reviewed, and a common structure for diagnosis-prescription is proposed. The diagnosis-prescription decision sequence is outlined. Prescription-without-diagnosis and diagnosis-without-prescription in education is discussed. The…

The Diagnostic Cognitive/Academic Therapy Program at Newington Children's Hospital (Newington, Connecticut) was designed to accommodate learning-disabled adults with different levels of education, rates of achievement, information processing styles, social backgrounds, and personalities, and to provide services in clinic, home, and work-site…

Suggests that the great increase in recent years in the number of "special children" is due to a change in the criteria used to label a child as having a "learning disability" and argues that a "special child's" best chances for successful therapy are in an out-patient situation in which there is close coordination with the home. (Author/JM)

Surveyed 100 directors of special education to determine how decisions are made about children in school settings and major problems in implementing the decision-making process. Although most directors agreed on some components of the process, there was considerable variation in how the process is carried out. (Author)

A list is presented of 70 typical academic problems of learning-disabled children that special educators must be able to diagnose and remedy. The problems are categorized as follows: reading, language, spelling, handwriting, arithmetic, thinking, and school task and behavior problems. (JDD)

This article outlines learning patterns which can identify the gifted learning-disabled and discusses the importance of early diagnosis, the importance of the student's participation in programs for the learning-disabled as well as for the gifted, and recommendations for helping the student succeed. (JDD)

The importance of instrumental use of curriculum-based measurement in planning reading programs was investigated with 53 mildly handicapped students and 29 teachers. Students whose measured reading performance was used to design instructional reading programs achieved better than control group students and students whose reading performance was…

This test, the Silver Drawing Test (SDT), evolved from a belief that the intelligence of children and adults who have poor language skills tends to be underestimated. The aim of the SDT is to provide an instrument for assessing the cognitive skills of individuals who have difficulty understanding others and making themselves understood. There are…

The term "attention deficit disorder" (ADD) is defined, criteria used by the American Psychiatric Association in diagnosing ADD are listed, and possible causes noted. Remediation needs of children with ADD include attention skills, self-esteem, and social skills. Early diagnosis is important, and teachers and parents need to identify…