Behavioral adjustment of children attending a residential school for the blind.

The behavioral adjustment of 23 children attending a residential school for the blind was examined using a well-standardized behavior rating scale. Ratings of internalizing, externalizing, and overall problem behaviors were obtained from either the dorm or natural parents, using Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Stepwise multiple regression analyses of demographic and intellectual variables indicated that WISCR Verbal IQ accounted for 50% of the variation in the adjustment ratings. Compared with the CBCL's sighted reference group, the blind children had a significantly greater number of internally directed problem behaviors, although the mean I score was still within the normal range. Implications for clinicians evaluating visually impaired children are discussed.