Comparison of the prevalence of mental health problems in deaf and hearing children and adolescents in Australia.

Objective: The aims of the present study were to (i) identify the prevalence rate and nature of mental health problems in a group of Australian deaf children and adolescents and compare these to those reported for the Australian hearing population; and (ii) identify specific demographic characteristics that may typify deaf children and adolescents with mental health problems.

Method: Sixty-six parents of deaf children and adolescents aged 6-18 years, their teachers and 38 adolescents participated in the study. Data related to mental health problems were collected using the Child Behaviour Checklist and Youth Self-Report.

Assessing children with profound hearing loss and severe language delay: getting a broader picture.

Six children with profound hearing loss and severe language delay participated in this pilot study. Four of the children used a Nucleus multi-channel cochlear implant only, while two wore binaural hearing aids. All the children had been diagnosed at an early age, fitted with a sensory device soon after, had considerable device experience and had attended an auditory oral early intervention setting.

Language ability and verbal and nonverbal executive functioning in deaf students communicating in spoken English.

The internal use of language during problem solving is considered to play a key role in executive functioning. This role provides a means for self-reflection and self-questioning during the formation of rules and plans and a capacity to control and monitor behavior during problem-solving activity. Given that increasingly sophisticated language is required for effective executive functioning as an individual matures, it is likely that students with poor language abilities will have difficulties performing complex problem-solving tasks.