A support program was developed at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey for families of handicapped children (from birth to the age of 3) who are involved in an early intervention program. A cognitive-behavioral model (the Coping with Stress Model) was designed to help families assess coping effectiveness. The process, which…

The paper describes the Coping Inventory, an observation instrument that provides an index of handicapped children's adaptive behavior by assessing the behaviors and skills they use to meet their own needs and adapt to the demands of their environment. Coping is defined as an active, adaptive process of using strategies to manage one's world.…

The article describes a support program for families of handicapped children (ages birth to 3) involved in an early intervention program. A cognitive-behavioral "Coping with Stress Model," used as the basis for intervention planning and programming, helps families assess their coping effectiveness and identify unmet needs. (JW)

The article describes the Coping Inventory, an observation instrument used to assess 48 coping behaviors and to develop a profile which generates goals and objectives in a preschool learning handicapped child's individualized education plan aimed at increasing coping competence. (Author/SB)

Two models are described that facilitate the collaborative development of Individual Family Service Plans for families with handicapped children. The theoretical model of the coping process and the decision-making model of personalized learning provide a structure for enhancing family resources for adaptive coping. Two case studies illustrate…