Background: Researchers acknowledge the importance of understanding how families of children with autism cope. Yet, little is known about the experiences of older parents of adults with autism. Materials and Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 older parents of adults with autism. Narrative analysis was used to gain insights into…

This study focused on parents' satisfaction with the special education and care services proposed to their child with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Data were collected in three regions of France, using a questionnaire designed for the purpose of this study. Among the 530 families contacted, 212 filled in the questionnaire (response rate =…

The authors respond to six questions from parents and teachers of gifted and talented children. Topics covered include individualized education programs, acceleration, and the development of state programs for gifted and talented students. (CL)

The paper describes a systematic evaluation of medical health care services for exceptional children seen at the Comprehensive Child Care Center of the Marshfield Clinic (Wisconsin) from 1975-1976 and 1976-1977. Responses to questionnaires designed specifically for parents and for case coordinators are reviewed. It is explained that parents…

The article discusses the individualized education program (IEP--as mandated by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, P.L. 94-142) as a process rather than a product, drawing on the results of Project IEP, a survey of special education administrators and practitioners and parents of handicapped children regarding the IEP. (Author/DLS)

Parents (N=229) of young children with handicaps in 10 states evaluated the Family Needs Survey, one instrument sometimes used to develop Individualized Family Service Plans. Overall, parents felt the survey to be useful in communicating useful information to professionals. The survey was equally acceptable to minority and low income parents.…

Describes an innovative educational model that was implemented at a large suburban high school, and summarizes the attitudes toward its components by the parents, students, and teachers who were involved. (Editor/RK)

A questionnaire was designed to determine parent perceptions of and degree of satisfaction with the services provided by Philadelphia's Prescriptive Educational Approach to Children with Handicaps (Project PEACH). Project PEACH provided diagnostic, referral, and prescriptive educational services for preschool children. Five areas were covered by…

A family-focused intervention model was implemented with 16 families having young children (birth to 3 years) with moderate or severe disabilities. Individualized Family Service Plans were formulated and implemented, resulting in high levels of parental satisfaction, accelerated rates of progress by the children, and acquisition of functional…

This study compared three written surveys intended to help identify family strengths and needs during the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process. Subjects were 48 mothers of children enrolled in early intervention programs and 25 program providers. Mothers tended to prefer written surveys to personal interviews and rated the surveys'…

A national survey of parents (n=240) newly referred to Parent to Parent programs was conducted. These programs match an experienced parent of a special needs child in a one-to-one relationship with a newly referred parent. Newly referred parents preferred a wide range of supports, with the child's age and severity of disability affecting the need…

Discussed is an individualized educational approach based on a student's strengths and weaknesses. On the basis of findings from a battery of diagnostic tests, a college program is worked out which is commensurate with the student's ability and preparation. He advances at his own rate and takes comprehensive examinations when he feels ready.…

A survey was conducted to determine attitudes of administrators, teachers, students, and parents of students in schools using the Institute for Development of Educational Activities, Inc. (I/D/E/A) Change Program for Individually Guided Education (IGE). The study took over two years, and reached a sample of the 1,200 schools in 36 states.…

This study investigated viewpoints of 290 parents and 267 professionals concerning early intervention services for infants and young children with disabilities in the light of requirements of Public Law 99-457. Major concerns of both groups related to accessing services, developing Individualized Family Service Plans, and coordinating services.…