Publishing my paper on Asperger's syndrome in 1981, and suggesting that it is part of the autistic spectrum, has had various consequences. These include the growth of interest in the syndrome among the general public as well as professionals. Controversy over definitions of subgroups and prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders has increased.…

This study examined the proportion of children in 1st and 2nd grade classes who were currently prescribed medication for psychotropic disorders. The study also examined the attitudes of 1st and 2nd grade teachers toward diagnosis of psychiatric disorders and use of psychiatric medication to treat children. Results of the current study indicate…

Dutch and US teachers were questioned about their perceptions of the incidence and causes of ADHD, as well as their views of appropriate treatments. Dutch teachers were more likely than US teachers to think the etiology of the disorder lay in biochemistry, while US teachers were more likely to believe in a combination of environmental and…

The article reports preliminary prevalence data of pervasive developmental disorders (including autism) in developmental disorders, and makes suggestions for diagnosis and treatment of pervasive developmental disorders in this group. (Author/CL)

Depression in mentally retarded persons is examined in terms of incidence and prevalence, diagnostic issues (including assessment approaches), and treatment procedures (including drug therapy and behavioral approaches). (CL)

Selectively reviews the literature on the diagnostic criteria for eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder) as described in "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (4th ed.) and "International Classification of Diseases" (10th ed.). Discusses the prevalence and course of…

Examined agreement among diagnoses made according to 5 definitions of endogenous depression in 99 depressed elders. Poor to fair agreement was generally demonstrated, except for Research Diagnostic Criteria and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which demonstrated excellent agreement. Mostly, demographic and clinical variables…

Background: Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a multi- system disorder with complex genetics. The neurodevelopmental manifestations of TS are responsible for considerable morbidity. The prevalence of epilepsy and intellectual disabilities among individuals with TS have been well described. Ours is the first study that explores the prevalence and pattern…

As part of research undertaken by the first author, a survey of schools was carried out in one local education authority (LEA) in order to gather information about pupils diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). All mainstream and special schools and pupil referral units were approached and a response rate of 94% was…

Neurological changes of Alzheimer's disease have been consistently documented in individuals with Down syndrome 35 years of age or older suggesting a genetic relationship between the conditions. The paper discusses the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, its progressive behavioral impact on persons with Down syndrome, and implications for services…

This booklet focuses on classic autism, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome, with brief descriptions of Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. The booklet describes possible indicators of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), their diagnosis, available aids, treatment options, adults…

As part of the Combating Autism Act of 2006, the members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) are required to develop an annual "Summary of Advances" to describe each year's top advances in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. These advances represent significant progress in the early diagnosis of ASD, understanding the…

Definitions, prevalence, the most common types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of epilepsy are briefly described. Basic information about seizures, the most apparent recurrent symptoms of epilepsy, and their impact upon the student's educational performance is provided. The teacher's role in managing students with epileptic seizures is also…

Neuroleptic-induced akathisia is a relatively common side effect of neuroleptic medication, characterized by a subjective sense of restlessness; the inability to sit still; and sometimes aggression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and suicide. The importance of the diagnosis and treatment of neuroleptic-induced akathisia in individuals with mental…