VIQ-PIQ differences have been studied in children with autism and Asperger syndrome but have not been studied in a separate group of children with PDD-NO, although, PDD-NOS has a much higher prevalence rate than autism and deficits in communication and social interaction are severe. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) was…

The article reviews the literature on anorexia nervosa, with or without bulimia, and presents a comprehensive picture of this eating disorder, focusing on terminology, historical references, prevalence, prognosis, classification, diagnostic criteria, physical and psychological characteristics, evolution of the disability, etiology, treatment, and…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to summarize what is known about Reye's Syndrome, a disease probably caused by ingestion of salicylate, which affects all organs of the body but especially the liver and brain, often resulting in neurological abnormalities and mental retardation. The following topics on the subject are covered:…

The cytogenetic survey of 67 individuals previously identified as having mental retardation and autistic behaviors revealed only 1.5 percent with the fragile X chromosome. The finding suggests that most persons with fragile X syndrome do not have autistic behaviors severe enough to be identified as a secondary psychiatric diagnosis. (Author/DB)

In a population of 425 individuals with Down's syndrome, 5 persons (1.2%) were identified as having Tourette's disorder. The lack of interrelationship between Down's syndrome and Tourette's disorder argues against an atypical Tourette's disorder. Diagnoses of tardive Tourette's disorder were based on absence of family history of Tourette's, late…

This nontechnical review of the literature on Rett Syndrome, a developmental disability found only in females, examines the syndrome's history, diagnostic criteria, clinical stages, incidence, differential diagnosis, etiology, genetics, treatment approaches, and prognosis. (Author/DB)

Analysis of 92 cases of fatally assaulted and 393 cases of intentionally injured children in New Zealand indicates that fatal child abuse is substantially underdiagnosed in official sources of mortality data and that there is an association between the race of the victim and whether the intentional injury is labeled child abuse. (Author/JDD)

Preschool children (n=27) were followed for 2 to 12 years after stuttering onset. Findings indicated a marked deceleration in the mean frequency of stuttering-like disfluencies. Most of the reduction took place early, especially near the end of the first year postonset. Chronic and recovering stutterers could be distinguished by 20 months…

A survey interviewed parents of 77 children with severe to profound hearing loss while attending an educational program at an Illinois state residential school. The children had lower ages of identification than those reported in national studies and in an early study in Illinois. Delays in early intervention are discussed. (Contains references.)…

This guide to Asperger syndrome first reviews clinical features (such as social isolation and a lack of empathy) and diagnosis. It then considers epidemiology and prevalence data and offers a case study. Principles of management and education are discussed, including use of structured, routine regimens, focus on the child's strengths, guided…

Epidemiologic research has revealed a wide spectrum of etiologic information concerning childhood cancer. (MB)

Data gathered on 1,800 young children indicated that 76 percent of autistic children were identified by parents at 24 months of age, and 94 percent by 36 months. Early onset was most clearly related to severity as measured by intelligence quotient (IQ) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale scores. (Author/JW)

Forty-nine consecutive cases seen at a child abuse referral clinic for children with disabilities were analyzed. The largest number of referrals came from child protective services. Eighteen percent of cases had a history or physical examination that were diagnostic for child maltreatment; thirteen percent were thought to be at high risk. Only 48%…