As a total group, 170 boys aged 6 to 11 years who were referred for SED consideration were characterized by limited mental health and educational intervention, noteworthy family stressors, and externalizing DSM-III psychiatric disorders, especially attention deficit disorder. The 100 boys recommended for SED placement were especially distinguished by multiple family stressors, serious dysfunction according to clinician ratings, and complex diagnostic pictures. The findings lend support to current revision of Public Law 94–142 SED criteria, as well as suggest directions for the prevention and treatment of SED students.
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