The use of the AML scale with a headstart population: normative and validation studies

The use of the AML with 584 4-year-old children in a Headstart program was investigated. The AML was found to be a reliable and valid instrument to use as a means of identifying emotional and learning problems. Normative data in this study were very similar to that previously found for kindergartners. Sex differences were found on almost all items requiring separate analyses for males and females. The A scale and total score contributed most to the identification of emotional disturbance in females. For males, however, the M scale and total score were most helpful. Mentally retarded males and the learning-disabled children could best be identified using the L scale. The use of a 90th centile cutoff method was found to be an easy and accurate means of identification.