This article considers whether Asperger syndrome (AS) should necessarily be viewed as a disability or as a difference. It concludes that "difference" is a more neutral and fair description. A model (the emphasizing-systemizing model) is summarized that attempts to define in what way individuals with AS are different. (Contains references.)…

A study of 144 professionals in the field of visual impairment, 437 university students not enrolled in special education courses, and 316 students enrolled in special education courses, found differences in preferences for terms related to visual impairment. However, all groups found "visually disabled" to have negative connotations and "visually…

Problematizes several common labels, noting that while labels designating social categories may prevent people from understanding other people, they can be beneficial. The article explores how some labels (at-risk, culturally deprived, and culture of poverty) have become widely used and how they have impacted thinking and social policy, noting how…

"The Color of Words" tells the stories of words used in the United States to label ethnic groups or to talk about the social landscape of which ethnic groups are a part. The book defines over 850 ethnic and racial terms and expressions that convey ethnic bias or that are commonly regarded as controversial or confusing. Many entries are…

A study examined recent developments in adult basic education (ABE) in Great Britain in relation to students with learning difficulties and issues about the ways in which programs seemed to be moving. Information was collected from ABE staff and students in case study sites in northwest England from the following sources: semistructured interviews…

Students' willingness to befriend a mentally retarded student was investigated using written vignettes about students said to be enrolling in the subjects' school. The study population included 60 fourth grade students from 5 social studies classes in a small southern community. Students were randomly assigned to experimental or control…

Stereotypes of the African American male in the popular media have imprinted a harsh and unflattering image in the public consciousness that has negatively affected the self-image of African Americans. Additionally, those stereotypes affect the decision making of employers, police officers, teachers, and other authority figures, resulting in a…

In the postcolonial era, vocabulary must be developed that communicates a belief in equality through word choices that promote respect. Citizens of the global community have the right to name themselves, define their histories, and live according to their cultures. A chart of obsolete, inaccurate, or dehumanizing terms and preferred terminology is…

Early intervention personnel (n=179), who were shown videotapes of two 24-month-old male children (one who had been exposed prenatally to cocaine and one not), were told that both children were exposed, one was exposed and one not, or neither was cocaine-exposed. Being labelled negatively affected the way the child was perceived. (Author/JDD)

An expansion of the Social Coping Questionnaire was used to investigate how 229 gifted students (ages 11-17) coped with being identified as gifted. Results found five social coping factors: denial of giftedness, emphasis on popularity, peer acceptance, social interaction, and the hiding of giftedness. Females were more likely to deny abilities.…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It argues that the term "mental retardation" has become a potent, utterly dismissive invective in the mouths of adults and school children and should be replaced with the term "intellectual disability". (Contains 1…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It suggests that it is time for a name change, however, the term "mental retardation" should be kept for diagnostic and entitlement purposes until such time as a better term is found and accepted. (Contains references.) (CR)

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It offers some ideas on how society might think about elemental change in terminology so a healthy outcome can be achieved without simply rearranging prejudices. The term "cognitive- adaptive disability" is proposed. (Contains three…

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)

Details a systematic pattern of abridging procedural justice that excludes Haitians from the community of justice. Discusses the flight of the Haitian boat people. Explains how the U.S. denies due process to Haitians. Discusses the policy of deterrence. Explains how national security is used as the motive for denying asylum to Haitians. (JS)