Epilepsy is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized disorders in society. A four-hour workshop was conducted over two days with the first two hours discussing types of epilepsy, causes, treatment, and medication. The second part of the study focused on social and psychological implications of epilepsy. (JN)

Provides information from the ERIC system on creative dramatics activities, outlines their advantages for handicapped children, and suggests techniques for using creative dramatics with mentally, physically, and emotionally handicapped children. (DD)

The article briefly describes Project Employability, a job training and placement program for the developmentally disabled in Virginia, and presents three case studies to illustrate the project's job placement process. (Author/DLS)

Six cases of childhood psychosis in children three to five years of age are summarized in order to alert clinicians to include this clinical entity in the differential diagnosis of children with major developmental difficulties. (Author)

Discusses inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in managed care as part of general efforts by states to enroll all Medicaid recipients. Elements of managed care that are important to people with developmental disabilities are reviewed, including care coordination, maintenance of quality, and individual and family support. (Author/CR)

A study of the prevalence of developmental disabilities in racial groups found the estimated rate was 1.1%, with the highest rate among blacks. Households that had individuals with developmental disabilities were lower income and more dependent on welfare programs. Minority status exacerbated differences in income and access to welfare. (Author/CR)

Four children (ages 2-12) with developmental disabilities and sleep disorders were provided with a consistent bedtime routine combined with a graduated extinction procedure for nighttime behavior problems. Treatment resulted in decreases in night wakings and disturbances, indicating the effectiveness of relatively simple behavioral interventions.…

A total of 179 intervention research studies published from 1988-92 on the remediation of challenging behavior of persons with developmental disabilities was reviewed for adherence to certain standards of practice. Results indicate meaningful improvements in the state of intervention literature. Areas of progress are noted and continuing deficits…

This study examined structural characteristics and environmental variables in the stereotypic behaviors of eight individuals with developmental disabilities. Findings indicated that structural characteristics (percentage of time, bout length, and bout length variability) were highly correlated. Also, stereotyped behaviors were more likely to occur…

Two studies compared the effectiveness of two procedures (multiple examples across trials and within trials) in teaching 10 students (ages 10-20) with moderate disabilities functional word discriminations. The first procedure was superior in acquisition; the latter procedure, however, was better under generalization for most participants.…

The Stereotypy Analysis, a means of analyzing environmental variables associated with differential rates of stereotypic behavior, was conducted with five adults with developmental disabilities. Results indicate the analysis was able to detect environmental events associated with stereotypic responding for three subjects and was useful in…

This paper proposes a model whereby children's behavior problems, parental stress, and parenting behavior are related. It reports evidence that child behavior problems lead to parental stress but finds other model aspects have not been tested in the developmental disability field. Also considered are practical implications integrating research of…

Twenty-one children with moderate to severe developmental disabilities attending two special education schools in Israel participated in group bar/bat mitzvah ceremonies. Children were observed during the six-month learning process and the ceremonies. Parents and school staff were also interviewed. The study found the children could both express…

Illustrates and evaluates the reliability and accuracy of an efficient performance-based behavioral recording procedure to record both appropriate and problem behaviors with persons with developmental disabilities. The results demonstrate that performance-based behavioral recording procedures are precise and efficient methods of recording…

This article draws on empirical data and anecdotal examples to support teaching parents of young children with developmental disabilities naturalistic language intervention strategies. It also identifies the skills that parent educators need to be effective and discusses a model for preparing professionals to teach parents. (Contains references.)…