Handbook of Psychosocial Characteristics of Exceptional Children

Research has documented the reciprocal effects of exceptionality and secondary psychosocial and behavioral characteristics. This in-depth handbook examines the categories of exceptionality most often described in educational, behavioral, and health practices. Leading authorities from psychology, education, and medicine evaluate the key characteristics of particular exceptionalities from the vantage point of theory, research, assessment, and intervention.

1. Theory and Research in the Study of Childhood Exceptionalities.- 2. Psychological Perspectives on Exceptionality.- 3. Biological and Genetic Factors in Human Development.- 4. Psychosocial Effects of Environmental Factors.- 5. Childhood Disability and the Family.- 6. Social and Cultural Perspectives.- 7. Determinants of Psychosocial Disorders in Cultural Minority Children.- 8. Internalizing Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence.- 9. Externalizing Conditions.- 10. Austim.- 11. Psychosocial Characteristics of Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders.- 12. Psychosocial Aspects of Neurological Impairments in Children.- 13. Psychosocial Correlates of Physical and Health Disabilities.- 14. An Alternate Path to Exceptionality: Prenatal Effects of Teratogenic Substances on Developmental Processes.- 15. Psychosocial Correlates of Mental Retardation.- 16. Gifted Children: The Promise of Potential/The Problems of Potential.- 17. Psychosocial Correlates of Learning Disabilities.- 18. Psychiatric Disorders in Children with Speech, Language, and Communication Disorders.- 19. Emotional Disorders in Deaf Children.- 20. The Impact of Visual Impairments on Psychosocial Development.- 21. Early Identification and Intervention of Psychosocial and Behavioral Effects of Exceptionality.- 22. Fostering Resilience in Exceptional Children: The Search for Islands of Competence.- 23. Looking Ahead: The Adjustment of Adults with Disabilities.