The Coping Inventory, an observation instrument designed to assess the behavior and skills of handicapped children, is described. The 48-item inventory is divided into two categories--self and environment; each category is subdivided into three dimensions--productive, active, and flexible. (PHR)

The coping characteristics of 1,035 disabled and 405 nondisabled children, aged 4 months to 3 years, are assessed across 3 categories of behavioral patterns (sensorimotor organization, reactive behavior, and self-initiated behavior). The influence of family income, gender, age, and ethnicity is examined and the implications for early intervention…