Texarkana College

In the United States, Black autistic youth face elevated risk of negative outcomes during police interactions. Although the outcomes of these interactions are well-documented, less is known about Black autistic youths' experiences during police encounters, as the current literature has largely examined the experiences of autistic adults, mostly White American samples, and/or autistic youth abroad. This study utilizes qualitative methods to examine the perceptions and concerns of 43 Black caregivers (N = 43; 98% parents; 2% legal guardians; 93% mothers) of Black autistic children (mean age: 16.5; 79% male) regarding police interactions with their autistic children. Four themes emerged: concerns regarding the Quality of police officers' training, children's Autistic behaviors being inappropriately policed, the explicit Threat of harm and murder, and the hope for Mindful Policing. These findings demonstrate that caregivers' concerns about police behaviors are inextricably linked to their concerns about the quality of police officers' training. The results of this study highlight (1) the importance of including racially and ethnically diverse individuals in research exploring autistic individuals' police interactions, (2) the need for culturally responsive adaptations to existing policing interventions designed for autistic people, and (3) the urgency of integrating Black caregivers' concerns into law enforcement training efforts.Lay abstractIn the United States, Black autistic youth face elevated risk of negative outcomes during police interactions. Although the outcomes of these interactions are well-documented, less is known about Black autistic youths' experiences during police encounters, as the current literature has largely examined the experiences of autistic adults, mostly White American samples, and/or autistic youth abroad. This study utilizes qualitative methods to examine the perceptions and concerns of 43 Black caregivers (N = 43; 98% parents; 2% legal guardians; 93% mothers) of Black autistic children (mean age: 16.5; 79% male) regarding police interactions with their autistic children. Through phenomenological analysis, four dominant themes emerged: concerns regarding the Quality of police officers' training, children's Autistic behaviors being inappropriately policed, the explicit Threat of harm and murder, and the hope for Mindful Policing. These findings demonstrate that caregivers' perceptions of police behavior are inextricably linked to their concerns about the quality of police officers' training. This study highlights (1) the importance of including racially and ethnically diverse individuals in research exploring autistic individuals' police interactions, (2) the need for culturally responsive and neuro-affirming adaptations to existing policing interventions designed for autistic people, and (3) the urgency of integrating Black caregivers' concerns into law enforcement training efforts.

The incidence of complete heart block (CHB) has been reported to be 1 in 15,000–20,000 live births. According to a study done by Reid and colleagues,1 30% of cases of congenital heart block remain undiscovered until adulthood. Hence, most CHBs found in pregnancy are usually congenital heart blocks that are diagnosed for the first time during the first pregnancy or puerperium. However, acquired CHB usually occurs after 50 years of age.2 Management of maternal CHB requires a multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and neonatologists.

Abstract How will organisms deal with Climate change? Ectotherms such as reptiles and amphibians are especially at risk due to their metabolic ties to the environment and their general inability to migrate with changing climates over short time frames. We modeled the growth response of Three-toed Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina triunguis) to fluctuations in ambient temperature and precipitation. Then we extrapolated this model to climate conditions expected in 2100. We predict that there is less than 20% possibility of hatchling turtles growing during their first year. Reduced annual growth rates during later years may cause earlier termination of growth, smaller standard carapace lengths, and reduced fecundity. These responses are typical of those that stimulate an extinction vortex. These findings provide for a general understanding of how this species and other terrestrial reptiles may respond to climate change. Without reduction in greenhouse gas emissions we could face catastrophic declines in many ectotherms as temperature and rainfall patterns change.

Twenty-nine third- and fourth-grade teachers and twenty-five fifth- and sixth-grade teachers from the Texarkana (Arkansas and Texas) area public schools were trained using the Full Option Science System (FOSS). Participants were given pretests and posttests to measure their: confidence toward teaching science, science content knowledge, attitude toward teaching science, and attitude toward science. Pretest and posttest results were compared using a paired t-test. The results revealed significant gains for both groups in teacher confidence toward teaching science, science content knowledge, and attitude toward teaching science. No significant increase in attitude toward science was detected in the third-and fourth-grade teachers. However, the fifth- and sixth-grade teachers did show a significant increase in their attitude toward science. Overall, it appears that Full Option Science System training is effective for third- through sixth-grade teachers.

The decision to exclude the Wiggins Content Scales from the MMPI-2 has hindered and, in many cases, may have prevented the ability to utilize the data collected over 25 years. There are questions with regard to the interpretation of some of the newer content scales of the MMPI-2, whereas most clinicians feel comfortably familiar, even if not entirely satisfied, with the Wiggins Content Scales of the MMPI. This report identifies the location and direction for scoring of items from the Wiggins Content Scales that appear on the MMPI-2. Preliminary data are presented and recommendations for utilizing these scales are offered.