A multimodal intervention program designed for a nine-year-old with severe communication problems (secondary to cerebral palsy, receptive dysphasia, and auditory agnosia) combined manual signs and graphic symbols to help her communicate. The intensive, highly structured program had significant positive results. (Author/CB)

The use of nonspeech symbol sets (including manual signs and Blyssymbols) in language intervention with mentally retarded students is discussed. The selection and use of aided or unaided nonspeech symbol sets are considered, along with cognitive, sociocommunicative, technological, and motoric factors. (CL)

Favorite stimuli were automatically delivered contingent on the performance of steps by two persons (a boy and a woman) with multiple disabilities during their use of support walker devices. The study lasted about 4 months and was carried out according to a multiple baseline design across participants. Recording concerned the participants'…

There is extensive discussion on the quality of education and support for individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) in relation to inclusion and full citizenship. The discussions are complicated because of differences or lack of clarity in the description of the variations and types of PIMD. A description of the core…

Research conducted in an institutional living environment during times when program activities were minimal and clients were typically inactive showed that empirically based toy selection, construction, and modification, and environmental engineering to ensure convenient and constant material availability increased Ss' active engagement with toys.…

Some parents of children with multiple disabilities appear to deny that their children have intellectual disabilities. Health care professionals may be challenged in working with these parents during the assessment and intervention process. This article introduces the collaborative-resource approach from family systems theory in which family…

Describes multiple techniques for facilitating development of initial communication repertoires for individuals with multiple disabilities, and integrates these techniques with strategies for increasing the alert, responsive behavior state through the Tri-Focus Framework, which emphasizes understanding the learner, broadening the communication…

This article suggests that the speech-language pathologist may appropriately serve as a case manager for students who have multiple needs and describes a case management model. The skills necessary for effective case management are outlined and functional outcomes are demonstrated with a child and family story. (Contains references.) (DB)

The second in seven sets of guidelines based on the consensus of experts in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral problems in mental retardation (MR) focuses on informed consent. Guidelines cover underlying concepts, usual components, informed consent as a process, information to include, what to provide, when to obtain informed consent, and…

The sixth in seven sets of guidelines based on expert consensus in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral problems in mental retardation (MR) focuses on managing inadequate response to initial medication treatment. Guidelines cover recommended steps before changing the medication regimen and selecting the next medication or adjunctive…

We evaluated an enriched teaching program for reducing resistance and indices of unhappiness displayed by 3 individuals with profound multiple disabilities during teaching sessions. The program involved presentation of preferred activities before, during, and after each teaching session, discontinuation of identified nonpreferred activities, and a…

Background: Microswitches can be vital tools to help individuals with extensive multiple disabilities acquire control of environmental stimulation. This study was aimed at extending the evaluation of a computer system used as a microswitch for word utterances with three participants with multiple disabilities. Method: Sets of 7 or 12 word…

This final report details the outcomes of a 3-year project involving children with severe disabilities (ages birth-6) designed to: (1) determine the effectiveness of specific therapeutic intervention techniques on the development of basic motor skills in young children with severe and multiple disabilities; (2) explore the relationship between…

Literature on the components of language and basic skills in speech acquisition is reviewed, and specific problems in communicatively disordered children, particularly hearing impaired and multihandicapped hearing impaired children, are investigated. Practical intervention strategies designed to promote intelligibility of spoken language and…

The rationale for and negative results of structured preschool programs are examined, and an alternative model based on research is suggested for use with multiply handicapped infants. Major aspects of the model are seen to include a combination of modeling and reinforcement, increased focus on nonverbal communication, and emphasis on a…