Adapted Physical Education
 Editorial

I would like to personally welcome our two new Adapted Section Editors:

Dr. Sue Tarr 

Dr. Chris Stopka 

They are wonderful educators who have, literally, devoted their lives to individuals with disabilities.  

Carol Huettig, Ph.D.
Texas Woman's University
Adapted Section Editor





Another Recommended Web Site re: PDD

This comprehensive web site includes definitions, information about education, diet, resources, recommended readings, and a message board related to autism and PDD.






Wonderful Resource

Palaestra, The  Forum of Sport, Physical Education and Recreation for Those with Disabilities, is a wonderful resource for individuals who teach and/or coach individuals with disabilities.  

Dr. David Beaver, Editor, publishes the journal in cooperation with the Adapted Physical Activity Council of the American Council of AAHPERD and the Committee on Sports for the Disabled of the U.S. Olympic Committee. 

The journal features practical articles with "how to" information for teachers and coaches.  In addition, there are special sections that highlight:

  • legislative updates
  • calendar of events
  • sport nutrition
  • focus on training

  Pervasive Developmental Disorders

An increasing number of children in the public schools are being identified with the educational diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder or PDD.  PDD is a non-progressive disorder resulting from a central nervous system lesion or abnormality that occurred during the development of the brain.  This term has become a "catch all" for those children who have significant difficulties with social interaction and language but who do not meet the criteria for autism, Rett's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder or Asperger's syndrome.



Teaching children with PDD can be an exciting challenge.  Following are some basic suggestions:
  • Create and maintain a highly structured learning environment.
  • All parents and professionals working with the student should use the same, consistent rules and behavior management system.
  • The learner should be encouraged by a behavior management system that focuses on positive reinforcement -- Catch 'em being good.--
  • Create a system to help the learner adjust to transitions -- task cards or a horizontal schedule.
  • Provide many opportunities for vigorous, aerobic activity to foster physical fitness, increase attention span, and decrease inappropriate self-stimulatory behavior.

For more information on PDD, refer to the Project INSPIRE Web Site, sponsored by Texas Woman's University.


And I saw a new heaven and new earth, 
for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away...
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, 
Behold...
I make all things new.
Revelation, 21


Questions to Ask, or
Thoughts to Share?



Click Here!


 Recommended Web Sites re: PDD

The best resource for information about children with disabilities is through the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities [NICHCY]





 FYI

Fall Conferences and Workshops related to Adapted Physical Education
Visit this link!





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 Contribute YOUR Ideas

If you have ideas, comments, letters to share, or questions about particular topics, please email one of the following Adapted PE Section Editors:

Carol Huettig
Ph.D., Texas Woman's Univ.
Cindy Piletic
Ph.D., Western Illinois Univ.
Chris Stopka
Ph.D., U of Florida
Sue Tarr
Ph.D., U.Wis-River Falls