摘要:

To determine whether existing data which indicate a significant prevalence of abnormal head circumference and minor congenital anomalies in referred learning disabled populations could be replicated in a nonreferred population, 75 children enrolled in learning disabilities resource programs in an elementary school district were compared with a matched group of 73 children. Macrocephaly (occipitofrontal head circumference of 2 or more SD above the mean) was noted significantly more often in resource than in control children (12 versus 3) (p < 0.05). Macrocephalic resource children had significantly lower achievement scores than either normocephalic resource or control children (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between resource and control children for mean number of anomalies per child, frequency of individual anomalies per group, or evidence of recurring anomaly patterns in the resource children. The macrocephalic resource children revealed the same prevalence of anomalies as normocephalic resource and control children, with no evidence of recurring anomaly patterns. Resource children with four or more anomalies did not differ from those with three or fewer anomalies on any psychometric parameters. Clinical, familial, radiological, and psychometric investigation of several macrocephalic resource children indicated similar patterns of learning deficits and documented evidence of familial macrocephaly but didnotshow any recognizable CNS abnormalities.This study confirms a significant prevalence of macrocephaly in children with learning problems. It indicates the need for further research into the prevalance and patterns of learning deficits in children with familial macrocephaly. The results add to recent concerns about the psychoeducational criteria of specific learning disabilities. The study appears to contradict prior investigations of the prevalence of minor congenital anomalies in children with learning disorders. It questions the methodology and conclusions of earlier studies. It suggests the need for substantial improvement in the methodological approach to the dysmorphology of learning disabilities.

ISSN:0196-206X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1984

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The behavioral adjustment of 23 children attending a residential school for the blind was examined using a well-standardized behavior rating scale. Ratings of internalizing, externalizing, and overall problem behaviors were obtained from either the dorm or natural parents, using Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Stepwise multiple regression analyses of demographic and intellectual variables indicated that WISC-R Verbal IQ accounted for 50% of the variation in the adjustment ratings. Compared with the CBCL's sighted reference group, the blind children had a significantly greater number of internally directed problem behaviors, although the mean I score was still within the normal range. Implications for clinicians evaluating visually impaired children are discussed.

ISSN:0196-206X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1984

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

This paper describes a three-phase project designed to improve physician/teacher collaboration with exceptional school children. In phase 1, the school district's 54 special education personnel completed a 24-item questionnaire designed to identify communication and role-expectancy problems. Phase 2 consisted of a series of workshops in which physicians explained their evaluations and treatments of exceptional children. In phase 3 a collaboration model linking the school district and a university-based medical center was developed and implemented. Questionnaire data, the collaboration model, and suggestions for other models are presented.

ISSN:0196-206X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1984

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The behavior of full-term neonates undergoing circumcision with and without local anesthesia was examined using the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale (BNAS). Evaluations were done blindly pre- and postcircumcision and on the day following the procedure. Infants receiving lidocaine in a dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) remained more attentive to animate and inanimate stimuli following circumcision and demonstrated a greater ability to quiet themselves when disturbed. The smoothness and maturity of motor behaviors showed the expected rate of improvement or recovery curve in the anesthetized group, while the control group's behavior did not. Behavioral differences were still evident on the day following the procedure. This report adds to the growing body of data that indicate that circumcision is a painful procedure that disrupts the course of behavioral recovery following birth. These disruptions can be lessened by the use of local anesthesia to relieve pain and stress during the procedure without any additional morbidity. These data support the use of DPNB during anesthesia for routine neonatal circumcisions still requested by the majority of parents in the country.

ISSN:0196-206X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1984

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Progesterone and its metabolites are potent depressors of the central nervous system. Plasma progesterone concentrations significantly correlated with temperament ratings for approach/withdrawal (r = −0.35, p = 0.01) and intensity (r = −0.28, p = 0.04) among 42 normal infants. The median age at the time of the progesterone sample was 36 days. Easier infants tended to have higher plasma progesterone concentrations compared with more difficult infants (mean ± SEM: 25 ± 4 ng/dl versus 17 ± 3 ng/dl, p = 0.15). Results are consistent with the hypothesis that progesterone or its metabolites may exert a behavioral depressor effect in infancy.

ISSN:0196-206X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1984

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Attention deficit disorder, or the hyperactivity syndrome, is a common chronic disorder of childhood. Although much is known about this disorder, many questions remain unanswered. Selected issues regarding this common disorder are reviewed.

ISSN:0196-206X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1984

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

This paper focuses on the medicolegal activities of a group of six pediatricians from the Winnipeg Children's Hospital. Increasing legal demands resulted in 93 court appearances for the group, during a 12-month period ending in December 1982. The educational processes and the individual court room issues confronted by both the courts and the six pediatricians, dealing with problems of child protection, are described. Major pediatric roles and principles of advocacy resulting from these experiences are delineated. Society's accountability is discussed with specific reference to the pediatrician's role.

ISSN:0196-206X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1984

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Jitteriness is an involuntary movement that is particularly frequent in the newborn. Its hallmark is tremor. The pathogenesis is poorly understood. Jitteriness is often accompanied by other signs of central nervous system excitation, such as hypermotility, hypertonicity, and ease of startle. It must be differentiated from myoclonus and seizure, although they may coexist. Jitteriness can be caused by a variety of pre-, peri-, and postnatal insults, and it is the nature and treatability of these, rather than the tremor itself, that are the major determinants of the ultimate prognosis. “Coarse” tremor is probably more often abnormal than “fine” tremor, and appears to bear some relationship to the later development of a choreiform syndrome. The evaluation of the jittery infant must be individualized and management aimed at reversing any remediable causes.

ISSN:0196-206X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1984

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The pediatrician is in a unique position to evaluate the often multidimensional problems of the learning-disabled child. The primary care physician is generally most familiar with the social, economic, medical, and genetic background of the child, as well as having an insight into the patient's family dynamics. When this information is integrated with findings from the medical history and neurodevelopmental assessment, the pediatrician can appreciate problems in their broadest sense and prioritize problems detected by other professionals, such as the psychologist and educator. This report comprehensively reviews elements of the pediatric evaluation, including the medical history, neurodevelopmental assessment, and management plan, for the learning-disabled child.

ISSN:0196-206X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1984

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0196-206X    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1984

数据来源: OVID