This report discusses the results of an analysis of demographic and Client Development Evaluation Record data compiled at each of the 21 regional centers in California serving individuals with autism and pervasive developmental disorders. Data covering a period of 11 years, beginning in January 1987 and continuing through December 1998, show that…

This digest provides an overview of autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It addresses: (1) the behavior of individuals with autism, such as developmental difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social relatedness, and leisure and play activities; (2) diagnosis and evaluation of autism; and (3) prevalence of autism and the…

Institutionalized patients with Down syndrome (N=307) were monitored for 5 to 10 years to determine prevalence of Alzheimer-type dementia. Prevalence increased from 11% between ages 40 and 49 to 77% between 60 and 69. All patients 70 and over had dementia. Mean age of onset of dementia was 56 years. Neuropathological findings were consistent with…

This study examined reabuse rates across a 5-year follow-up period in 304 children admitted to a hospital-based child abuse assessment unit. A 16.8 percent incidence of reabuse was found, with the greatest risk occurring during the 2 years immediately following a discharge diagnosis of maltreatment. Neglect was the most frequent type of reabuse.…

Psychopathological disorders exhibited by children of normal intelligence are the same as those seen in intellectually disabled children, although they occur much more commonly in intellectually disabled children. Factors which complicate the clinical assessment and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders in this group are noted and assessment…

The study compared the diagnoses determined by 200 adult autopsies performed in 1968 and 200 autopsies 20 years later. Analysis indicated few changes in variety of case material despite declining autopsy rates and a changing racial mix of patients. Recommendations for maximizing the teaching impact of each autopsy are offered. (Author/DB)

Presents clinical findings among 43 children with and 43 children without developmental disabilities referred for treatment of child sexual abuse. This preliminary research found similar clinical findings for both groups and these findings were consistent with the existing research literature. However, slightly more clinical problems were reported…

This comprehensive assessment process model includes primary, secondary, and situational risk factors and their combined implications and significance in determining an adolescent's level or risk for suicide. Empirical data and clinical intuition are integrated to form a working client model that guides the professional in continuously reassessing…

A study investigated the incidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 86 adults with severe mental retardation. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 15% of the sample met the diagnostic criteria. This measure was not influenced by chronological age, adaptive age, IQ, or gender. (Author/CR)

This report describes the status of 70 adults (ages 22 to 60 at the longitudinal study's beginning) with Down syndrome who are being followed for signs of dementia. After 10 years, 12 met all criteria for dementia, 40 met subsets of criteria, and 18 met no criteria. Information is provided on choice and revision of instruments and dementia…

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among incarcerated juveniles in Mississippi was examined. A total of 482 adolescents completed a diagnostic questionnaire and a subset (N = 317) was assessed with face-to-face semistructured interview. Most of the study participants met criteria for one mental disorder, 71?85% depending on assessment method,…

The overall intention of this project was to enhance awareness, for those involved with persons on the autism spectrum, of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) strategies for treating persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The project involved a literature review on autism and the use of CBT strategies for people with autism spectrum disorders…

A case study of a man with intellectual disability who died of polydipsia (excessive thirst and fluid consumption) is recounted. The article describes ways to identify polydipsia in individuals with intellectual disabilities, including detecting weight gain in the afternoon. Studies addressing polydipsia's coexistence with mental disorders are…

Evaluation of 86 medical students and physicians, referred for possible learning problems, found that most subjects had either a learning disability or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); 21 subjects had a reading learning disability; and 15 had both a reading disability and ADHD. Sequential information processing appeared to be the…

Clinical and neurophysiological findings for 28 patients (mean age 15 years) with mental retardation, autism, and epilepsy were described, including classification of seizure type and epileptic syndrome, etiology, severity of autism and epilepsy, electroencephalography findings, and neuroimaging findings. No particular epileptic syndrome…