In South Africa children are required to testify under oath or admonition. The shortcomings of the competency test are of particular relevance to children with developmental disabilities, since courts are not equipped to adequately assess the competency of these children to give evidence. One component of testimonial competency, namely the understanding of the concepts truth and lies, is overemphasised and is examined with questions that are developmentally inappropriate for child witnesses in general. For children with cognitive disabilities, such questions create barriers for participation in the truth-seeking process. Consequently, convictions have been set aside on appeal owing to procedural irregularities found in the implementation of this test. In the literature review on testimonial competency, attention was given to restrictions that specific developmental disabilities impose on the perceptual, cognitive, communication and moral development of children. Two of four components – narrative ability and moral capacity – were studied in a sample of 184 children in middle childhood. Participants’ ability to give coherent and detailed accounts of events, their understanding of the concepts truth, lies, promises and the oath, and the Lyon and Saywitz oath-taking competency test, were investigated. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used for data analysis. Three groups were identified: those children with very limited, average or full testimonial competency. Their capacities were found to be related to maturation of cognitive functions and level of intellectual functioning. Participants were better able to demonstrate their understanding of truth and falsity by responding to the oathtaking test than giving verbal descriptions of these concepts. Whereas 1 percent of participants had a conceptual understanding of an oath, 15 percent understood the concept of a promise. Syncretism and confabulation compromised the narrative accounts of a substantial number of participants. Syncretism relates to immature narrative ability: correct details are combined in an illogical fashion. Confabulation refers to filling memory gaps with fabricated information. Guidelines on the competency determination of children with developmental disabilities were compiled. It is suggested that the competency examination be replaced by a formal, pre-trial competency assessment. The court should also receive expert evidence on how to facilitate meaningful participation when a child with sufficient testimonial competence is the witness.

This study, conducted in one local authority in England, set out to investigate how and why ‘Structured Teaching’ is implemented for children with autism and learning difficulties who are educated in special schools in one local authority in England. Structured Teaching is the educational component of the comprehensive approach ‘Treatment and Education for Autistic and Related Communication handicapped CHildren’, better known as the TEACCH approach. Structured Teaching aims to promote independence and self-esteem, manage behaviours and, in so doing, facilitate learning. Despite its popularity, there has been little research in relation to the approach as it is implemented in the United Kingdom. In addition, the need for eclectic educational practice is widely documented, given the wide range of individual needs and strengths of learners with autism. Yet despite schools implementing a diverse range of approaches, knowledge of how and why teachers select combinations of approaches is limited. This investigation aimed therefore to: 1. Identify which Structured Teaching strategies are implemented, in what ways and for what purposes. 2. Identify which other approaches are used in combination with Structured Teaching and for what purposes. 3. Explore factors which underpin teachers’ decisions in selecting and combining approaches. An early literature review established key principles, purposes, definitions and concepts associated with Structured Teaching, as determined by those who developed the TEACCH approach to autism. This enabled the researcher to evaluate whether Structured Teaching was being implemented in the ways intended by those who developed the approach. A further literature review explored the existing research evidence-base for Structured Teaching and revealed gaps in that evidence, both methodologically and in relation to outcomes for children. A positivist approach which measures children’s behaviours has resulted in Structured Teaching being identified as an ‘evidence-based approach’. However, that evidence neglects to consider the perceptions of those who implement the approach and does not consider in depth other outcomes for children such as the effect upon their wellbeing and readiness to learn. This investigation was therefore designed to explore the gaps in the existing research evidence in order to better understand how and why the approach is implemented. An initial survey questionnaire, distributed to five special schools in one local authority in England, found that all components of Structured Teaching were being implemented. The results revealed that a predominant perception of outcomes for children was linked to their wellbeing. A variety of other classroom approaches were also identified by respondents and again linked to children’s wellbeing. Subsequently, an interpretative case study approach was designed to gather qualitative insights into classroom practices in relation to Structured Teaching combined with other approaches. Multiple case studies included: two key stage two classes in one special school; one key stage two class, together with one contrasting class for children in their early years, in another special school in a neighbouring town. Fieldwork took place over four school terms. Iterative analysis of interviews and classroom observations revealed that Structured Teaching is implemented as a flexible framework, responsive to individual needs and strengths. Within this framework, a combination of other approaches is implemented. Decision-making is underpinned by knowing each child as an individual and with a priority focus upon children’s wellbeing. The analysis and synthesis of the case studies result in a new model, which reflects the ‘mindful blending’ of approaches within a framework of Structured Teaching. The results of this investigation complement the existing research evidence-base. Future research might best be conducted by adopting a mixed-methods approach, combining positivist with interpretivist methodology. This would enhance the research evidence. Measurable behaviours would reveal what children do as a result of classroom practices, whilst insights of practitioners may shed light on potential reasons for why. In addition, an interpretive approach might also usefully gather the insights of those who are at the receiving end of a blend of approaches, that is, the children and their families. Finally, future research might test the usefulness of the ‘mindful blending’ model in order to inform and enhance educational approaches for children with autism.

This study explores similarities and differences in turntaking structures in the discourse of a group of typical children and one atypical child. Nineteen normally developing pre-school children and one atypical child were videotaped reading books with their parents. Each of the nineteen parent/child dyads were videotaped at the child's pre-school, and the atypical child (Ben) was videotaped at school both with a trained educator and with his mother. Analyses of the resulting videotapes yielded categorical data on types and structures of turntaking. The utterances of the typical children appeared most often in the category of response. This finding also applied to Ben when he was interacting with his teacher, although when Ben was interacting with his mother the majority of his utterances appeared in the category of imitation. Parents of the typical children used primarily responses, mands and turnabouts. The greatest difference between Ben's mother and the other parents is found in the categories of response and mand which were lower in the case of Ben's mother. It appears that conversational turntaking in a language delayed child is different from the pattern of conversational turntaking in a group of typical children. If indeed the This study explores similarities and differences in turntaking structures in the discourse of a group of typical children and one atypical child. Nineteen normally developing pre-school children and one atypical child were videotaped reading books with their parents. Each of the nineteen parent/child dyads were videotaped at the child's pre-school, and the atypical child (Ben) was videotaped at school both with a trained educator and with his mother. Analyses of the resulting videotapes yielded categorical data on types and structures of turntaking. The utterances of the typical children appeared most often in the category of response. This finding also applied to Ben when he was interacting with his teacher, although when Ben was interacting with his mother the majority of his utterances appeared in the category of imitation. Parents of the typical children used primarily responses, mands and turnabouts. The greatest difference between Ben's mother and the other parents is found in the categories of response and mand which were lower in the case of Ben's mother. It appears that conversational turntaking in a language delayed child is different from the pattern of conversational turntaking in a group of typical children. If indeed the difficulty lies with interaction, or turntaking skills, this may have significant implications for approaches to remediation used with children who are identified as autistic or severely learning disabled. / Education, Faculty of / Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of / Graduate

M.Ed. (Psychology of Education) / Although the learning disabled pupil has an average to above average intellectual ability, he does not perform accordingly. Not only does he reveal academic deficiencies, but social and emotional deficiencies are also part and parcel of his problem. Furthermore he experiences problems in meeting social demands that are made in his every day life. These deficiencies in his social abilities in turn imply an insufficient recognition of social demands. Research has shown that a learning disabled pupil's social perceptions are weaker than those of a normal pupil. Although the learning disabled pupil's academic short-coming are at first recognised by the teacher, his social problems are normally neither identified nor understood. The learning disabled child should .be assisted to acquire social skills. In this process the teacher could playa vital role. From previous studies, insight regarding the learning disabled pupil, has been gained. The etiology and manifestations of learning disabilities have been discussed and the characteristics of deficient social skills have also been scrutinised. The purpose of this research is to determine certain disorders regarding the social perceptions of a learning disabled child. Criteria as well as guidelines that a social-perceptual education programme should meet, are also suggested. The study was conducted with 60 learning disabled pupils forming the experimental group and 60 non-learning disabled pupils forming the control group. The "Coding of Emotional Responses Test" was used in this study. In this study it became apparent that the learning disabled pupils made significantly more errors than the control group (nonlearning disabled pupils). Therefore the learning disabled pupil experiences difficulty in interpreting non-verbal behaviour patterns such as facial expressions, body language and gestures correctly, as a result of his deficient social perceptions. Criteria programme research. and guidelines for a social-perceptual education have been determined as a result of this...

La scolarisation des enfants avec handicap mental reste encore un champ de recherche sous exploité malgré la richesse des informations qu'il peut apporter afin d'adapter au mieux les interventions pour la réussite de la loi d'intégration.L'intégration en milieu scolaire ordinaire est un défi de société. C'est un service offert aux enfants qui présentent une déficience intellectuelle, afin qu'ils puissent recevoir une éducation de qualité dans un cadre le plus normal possible et ainsi, établir des contacts avec des pairs non handicapés.Depuis 1996, les textes législatifs et réglementaires engagent de plus en plus l'éducation nationale à l'accueil de tous les enfants, quelles que soient leurs difficultés, la scolarisation deshandicapés mentaux avec cette loi rencontre des difficultés à se réaliser hors d'institutions spécialisées.Les actions de recherche sur la scolarisation des enfants avec handicap mental restent très rares, c'est pourquoi cette recherche va se concentrer sur les représentations de la société mises en avant (parents d'enfants handicapés, enseignants, parents d'enfants normaux) et de les expliquer afin de cerner les conditions requises pour l'intégration scolaire des élèves présentant une déficience. / The school attendance of children mental handicap remains an underexploited field of search despite the opulant amount of informations that could bring to adapt to the best the interventions for the success of the Integration Act.The integration into mainstream education is a societal challenge. This service aims children with intellectual disabilities, so they can receive a quality education in a most normal framework possible and thus the ability toestablish contacts with non-disabled peers.Since 1996, laws and regulations engage more and more education brought to all children, whatever their difficulties, the education of mentally disabled with this law encounter difficulties to be achieved outside specialized institutions.The research actions on the education of children with mental handicaps remains very few, this is why research will focus on the representations of society put forward (disabled children's parents, teachers, normal children's parents), and to explain to them in order to identify the conditions for inclusive education.

This study focused on the needs of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students who have I.Q. scores of roughly 75-95. These students often function two or more years below grade level in school and are referred to as Marginally Learning Disabled (MLD), or slow learners. Factors which contribute to the existence of this situation were discussed as were problems of accurate identification. It was found that most school districts do not provide special help for these students. MLD students are usually placed in the regular classroom. A few school districts have experimented with special resource classes or self-contained classes. Parental involvement was found to be a major factor in the academic progress of the slow learner. Teacher effectiveness is also extremely important. An effective teacher was found to, (a) believe the child could learn, (b) be organized and run a structured program, and (c) provide direct, group instruction rather than individualized lessons.

The social interactions between children with special needs, learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorder (ADHD), were investigated. The children were observed in groups of three/four while creating a cooperative art project. During this activity, their interactions were recorded and coded for patterns of verbal communication. Verbal communication was evaluated through statements reflecting requests for information and materials; helping/cooperation/giving; consideration/positive reinforcement; competitiveness; intrusiveness; rejection; self-image; neutral statements; and persuasiveness. Results indicated that children with special needs tended to engage in a greater frequency of helping/cooperative/giving statements as opposed to any other verbal statements. Specifically, positive statements as opposed to negative statements classified their verbal interactions. These children also appeared to demonstrate more internalizing behaviors than externalizing behaviors. The influence of children's behaviors on children's verbal statements was examined. Results indicated that children who evidenced a disability in reading or language appeared to engage in a greater frequency of cooperative or helping statements than their non-disabled peers. Intrusive tendencies may be associated with the following: presence of a reading disability, absence of ADHD, and absence of a disability in written expression. Additionally, the conversations of children with a disability in mixed receptive language tended to evidence a greater frequency of neutral statements when compared to their peers without a disability. Externalizing behaviors also appeared to be associated with increased use of considerate and encouraging statements. Findings also suggested that intellectual ability may be related to children's verbalizations, but unrelated to children's behaviors. Intellectual functioning appeared to be directly related to children's use of rejecting statements. Upon comparing these findings to previous literature on the social communication between children with and without special needs, it is unclear whether children with special needs evidence a shared communicative culture or ability to interpret communication patterns, which results in more positive communicative interactions. This study has implications for appropriate educational placement, the formation of children's friendships, and the social communication of children with special needs.

The purpose of this study was to explore the unique experiences and specific needs of single parent families while assessing their level of stress raising a developmentally disabled child.

This study sought to find out the root causes of the marginalization of the physically disabled children in Machakos district of Kenya. It aimed at coming up with proposals for integrating physically disabled children into regular schools and to enhance their welfare. Through an analysis of the practice by the Small homes programme and the government s segregated special education provision, lessons for effective integration of the physically disabled children were learnt.The goal of this study was achieved by carrying out a research in Machakos district of Kenya. Data were collected by carrying out face-to-face interviews and one Focus group Discussion among a sample size of 170. The data were analysed using content analysis.The study findings show that although education is considered a basic right and need, its access and provision to the physically disabled children has experienced problems that impede its implementation. These include: - lack of clarity of the policy of integration, negative traditional beliefs towards disabilities, the approach of implementing integrated education, low parental participation, lengthy assessment procedures of disabilities, lack of adequate specialist teachers, limited data on disabilities and limited access to education caused by high fees levies, lack of suitable transport services and access to mobility aids and suitable physical environment and amenities.Further study findings show that Inclusive Education can work and that reservations to Inclusive Education can be overcome. The findings showed that the Small homes need to make their school environments least restrictive for the physically disabled children and to adapt an inclusive culture. Opposition to Special schools was based on the negative effects to the children including segregation, disruption to family life, low social and academic grounding.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR PHILOSOPHY in COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY in the FACULTY OF EDUCATION at the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, 2005. / Along with the changes in the political an economical spheres in South Africa over the last decade, there has also been a shift towards a more democratic education system. The foundation for these changes has been laid by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and has important implications for education and the concept of inclusive education. The relevant clauses in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa are those that contain principles of basic rights, equality and non-discrimination. The aim is to rectify the divisions of the past and establish a society based upon democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights. This also entails the acceptance of an inclusive education policy that will ensure optimum provision for and inclusion of the full spectrum of educational needs within a single education system. Learners with special educational needs in an inclusive classroom are no longer regarded as the responsibility of a particular person outside the classroom, but of all educators. Educational Support Services need to make a paradigm shift in supporting teachers to assist learners with special educational needs. In the learning process educators play a distinctive role and if they do not function effectively, it could form a barrier to learning. Teachers have certain skills and abilities to assist learners with special educational needs and these need to be developed, as educational support services are not in a position to assist teachers and learners individually. As the implementation of the inclusive policy is inevitable, it is of the utmost importance to determine the needs of educators and how to support them to effectively assist learners with learning disabilities. The aim of this study is to establish how educators can be supported to effectively assist learners with special educational needs, specifically learning disabilities, within an inclusive classroom. Criteria as well as guidelines for a social-perceptual education program for learning disabled learners are also recommended. Sixty Educators from four different primary mainstream schools in the lower Umfolozi district, Empangeni region, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South-Africa, participated in the study. The schools represented the diversity of the South-African population as well as the diversity within the learner population. All the participants completed a questionnaire on special educational needs and 20 participants from the sample group participated in a focus group interview. Results of the quantitative data were explained by means of descriptive statistics. It was clear that educators were not effective in assisting learners with special educational needs in an inclusive classroom. From the qualitative data analysis process findings, four main patterns of concern emerged, namely, the need for on-going training, reduction of the educator-learner ratio, provision of psychological services and support regarding the social and emotional problems of learners with learning disabilities. As a result of this research a basic introductory study, providing certain criteria and guidelines for a social-perceptual education program, has been done. This program has value for further government implementation of training programs in inclusive education. It will also assist educators working with children with special educational needs in an inclusive classroom in mainstream education.