Research on the effectiveness of early intervention with handicapped children is reviewed in this information digest. Presented in question and answer format, the digest addresses the following questions: What is early intervention? Why intervene early? Is early intervention really effective? Is early intervention cost effective? Are there…

This booklet reviews the literature and offers practical suggestions for dealing with exceptional children who are, or are suspected of being, abused and neglected. It describes what is known about child abuse in general and then as it specifically relates to children with disabilities. It examines factors associated with abuse and outlines…

This digest reviews and summarizes what is known about effective school-wide behavioral management systems. Emphasis in such systems is on consistency throughout the building and across classrooms with the entire staff, both professional and nonprofessional, uniformly implementing common strategies. Common features of school-wide behavioral…

According to a national survey, about 80% of American Indian and Alaska Native youth have experimented with alcohol or drugs, compared to about 50% of youth nationwide. Particular risk factors for Native youth include low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress, and culture conflict arising from differences between traditional Native values and values…

This digest summarizes information on incidence in and identification and intervention of potentially suicidal children and youth with disabilities. Estimates suggesting that some categories of exceptional youth have higher suicide rates than the general population are cited. Suicide risk factors and signs that a student is potentially suicidal…

This booklet reviews the role of school personnel in detecting signs of depression and potential suicide, taking appropriate actions, and developing and implementing treatment programs. An introductory chapter notes factors related to depression and suicide that may be evident in exceptional children. The second chapter provides a research…

This booklet addresses the issues involved in working with children and adolescents who have disabling conditions and use alcohol and other drugs. An introductory chapter notes the need for increasing attention to alcohol and drug problems among individuals with disabling conditions. The second chapter provides evidence suggesting that the…

This booklet discusses the preparation needed by schools and school personnel to meet the needs of limited-English-proficient (LEP) students with disabilities. An introductory chapter notes that LEP students are often at risk and explains the importance of programming based on the strengths of their native languages and cultures. The second…

School counselors need new ideas to initiate change in school counseling programs. This book presents a collection of innovative paradigms and approaches. Part 1 presents articles on techniques and methods of counseling interventions: (1) Student Rights (C. C. Hogan); (2) At-Risk Students and Violence (L. Giusti); (3) Conflict Management (D. R.…

This booklet examines what is known about the long-term effects of exposure in utero to alcohol and other drugs, as well as the educational implications of those effects. Research is synthesized on biological and medical risk factors, psychosocial risk factors, and the interaction of biology and environment. A section on implications for…