The authors assessed new microswitch clusters (i.e., combinations of two microswitches) and contingent stimulation to increase adaptive responses (i.e., foot and head movements) and reduce aberrant behavior (i.e., finger mouthing) in a boy with multiple disabilities. Initially, intervention was directed at increasing the frequency of each adaptive…

At least 60% of children with disabilities have multiple disabilities including visual impairments (VI). Because the visual system is neurologically based, any problems of the neurological system will also likely affect vision. The estimated number of students with VI and additional disabilities has increased significantly over the years. Since…

The effects of microswitch-based programs on indices of happiness were evaluated with 9 students who had profound multiple disabilities. Each student received an ABAB sequence in which A represented baseline phases and B, intervention phases. During the latter phases, microswitches were used to enable the students to control preferred…

The paper describes a model of services for 38 infants and young children whose primary handicap was a communication disorder or for whom a communication disorder was a related problem. Data indicated that the model was effective in producing child growth in receptive and expressive language, as well as other developmental areas. (Author/CL)

The authors describe a model for integrating multimodal assessments and intervention to meet the complex problems of multiply disabled children. An outline and guide for transdisciplinary team management is presented and discussed. (Author/CL)

This paper urges advancement and refinement in the assessment of people with autistic disorders to include evaluation of additional psychiatric conditions which are frequently present, especially in lower-functioning autistic individuals. Implications of more comprehensive assessment for behavioral and medical intervention are discussed. (DB)

A water mist was employed as a punisher to reduce head hitting in a 10-year-old multiply handicapped, visually impaired child. Results indicated that water mist alone was effective in reducing the frequency of head hits during meals, but other situations required the addition of primary reinforcers, stimulus control, or both. (Author/JDD)

A new approach to behavioral control with individuals having both visual impairments and multiple disabilities stresses the use of positive intervention strategies, bases treatment on functional assessments of challenging responses, and emphasizes broad changes in the lifestyles of individuals. Case examples illustrate applications. (Author/DB)

Sixty-six patients under age 25 with autism and epileptic seizures were treated and followed for 2 years. The cases are analyzed in terms of type of epilepsy, drugs used, and other treatments given. Practical guidelines are offered for the management of epilepsy in autism. (Author/JDD)

This case study of a 24-year-old man with autistic disorder and mental retardation who exhibited aggression found that antecedent exercise significantly decreased aggression; drug therapy with an anxiolytic (lorazepam) alone had no significant effect on aggression; and exercise plus medication decreased aggression to a somewhat lesser degree than…

The last 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 medication dosing. The guidelines cover classes of medication, specific medications, usual starting daily dose, and usual daily dose range. (DB)

The report examines accomplishments of project UPSTART, an intervention approach for young severely multihandicapped infants and their families. The project's outreach provided assistance at six sites, three of which were new. Outreach accomplishments are evaluated according to six objectives, including stimulation of program development,…

Described is the parent involvement model at the Home for Crippled Children in Pittsburgh, a center for multiply handicapped urban preschoolers. It is explained that the model is comprised of three components: Parents as Partners (parent training), Community Liaison (home visitation), and the educational and Home Prescription Plan (individualized…