Examines the historical definition and use of the term "mental retardation," and the 1992 revision of the term by the American Association on Mental Retardation that focuses on limitations in functioning rather than as a characteristic of an individual. Educational implications of the new definition are discussed. (CR)

In this article, the practical aspects of clothing are compared to effective practices in special education. Actual competence is more important than the appearance, or cloak, of competence. It is argued that speaking openly about disability will do more to reduce its stigma than will euphemisms. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It reviews the history of professional terminology regarding individuals with mental retardation and stresses the need for the AAMR to change its name using terms that envision and announce a social purpose for the organization. (Contains…

Children traditionally labeled learning disabled, mildly emotionally disturbed, and educable mentally retarded are considered within a behavioral rather than a categorical framework. (Author/SBH)

Addresses the importance of IQ tests in the processes by which Chicago elementary school students are placed in classes for the mentally retarded. Describes the impact of IQ scores on students' future educational and vocational careers and the impact on Black youngsters of the "educably mentally retarded" label. (JW)

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. The history of the term "mental retardation" is reviewed and it is argued that any new term will take on similar risks. The need to involve self-advocates in any terminology change is stressed. (Contains 5 references.) (CR)

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It argues that the term "mental retardation" should become an historical artifact of the evolution of our thinking about children and adults with developmental disabilities. The plurality of the term "developmental…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It reviews some of the assumptions, assertions, and dynamics that occur in the current language wars and presents principles for the selection and use of language. The need to use clearly understood terms is stressed. (Contains one reference.)…

The effects of labels, "mentally retarded" and "institutionalized" on the evaluations and causal attributions of nonretarded persons, and on the social distance preferences of EMR persons, were assessed. In addition, each group was asked to predict the likelihood of a labeled (mentally retarded) or a nonlabeled target person achieving success at a…

Discussed is the impact of poverty, public education, and self-concept on the classification of persons as mentally retarded. Research relating to the effects of poverty on academic performance is reviewed, and intervention strategies such as improved housing and provision of a guaranteed minimum wage are suggested. Community control and…

The influence of skill level, behavioral characteristics, and labeling upon the attitudes of 320 members of 12 private tennis clubs toward the participation of individuals with mental retardation was investigated. Attitudes and intentions toward people with mental retardation were positive regardless of label assigned and perceived skill level.…

A Harvard study suggests that minority students are often misdiagnosed as mentally retarded or behaviorally disabled; African-Americans are overrepresented in special-education classes and trail whites in achievement. Students are frequently placed in separate classes or schools. Predictable classroom routines can help kids with behavior problems.…

This article discusses a court case of an adolescent labeled retarded who was sexually assaulted. It examines implications of being spoken about and of others speaking for the labeled person. It then considers how a disability rights/People First framework could shift public and professional understandings and responses to human abuse. (Contains…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It argues that changing the name would not change the stigma, and would harm advocacy efforts by allowing legislators to use a terminology change to narrow eligibility for supports. (Contains one reference.) (CR)

Historical research in the field of autism has suggested that judgements regarding the ability of students with autism should be made carefully, taking into consideration the person with autism's difficulty with communication, movement and performance in general. Although the historical literature has urged professionals to proceed with caution…