An observational study in a British nursery school examined effects of direct and indirect strategies in increasing interactions of four developmentally delayed young children with their peers. (DB)

This study compared the family histories of 13 children with autism or pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) with depression and 10 similar children without depression. Ten of the depressed children had a positive family history of depression compared to three of the nondepressed group. Findings support the validity of depression as a distinct…

Defines the concept of self-determination and discusses the importance of family involvement in affecting the development and expression of self-determination in adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities. Strategies to promote and support parental involvement in self-determination instruction are discussed. (Author/CR)

A survey of 58 university-affiliated programs serving persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities (MR/DD) found that 74% were affiliated with a school of social work and identified types of and settings for MR/DD training opportunities. Results suggest that potential exists for creating and expanding such training relationships.…

Three preschool children with developmental disabilities participated in a social-skills intervention involving use of collage placemats with pictures to foster turn-taking verbal interactions with peers at the lunch table. The intervention resulted in doubling the rate of interactions with peers. Generalization to regular lunchtime occurred when…

A respite care needs assessment survey was completed by 574 Iowa families of children with developmental disabilities. Results documented a void in the availability and accessibility of respite services regardless of demography, income level, or extent of disability. Respondents generally perceived that the availability of respite care service…

This study investigated the language input of eight childcare providers to eight young children with developmental disabilities and language delay in day care contexts. Findings indicated that language input addressed to these children was directive and not finely tuned to their expressive language levels. Also, these children interacted…

In this preliminary study, three parents who requested outpatient services for treatment of developmentally disabled children's problem behavior were taught to implement multiple treatment components. Therapists employed the most cost-efficient method first (i.e., written and verbal instructions) to teach prescribed behavior management strategies.…

The mother of a young adult with autism suggests ways that religious communities, especially their family's Jewish community, can help in the transition of young people with developmental disabilities to adulthood. She urges inclusion in religious schools, provision of workshops and support systems for young adults and their families, and…

Discusses how meta-analysis allows clinicians to determine objectively both presence and size of an effect or correlation within the existing literature by pooling the results of various studies and performing statistical analyses. Describes the risks and benefits of applying information obtained from meta-analysis into clinical practice.…

A national survey of 243 community agencies evaluated services provided for individuals with developmental disabilities who exhibit high-risk sexual behaviors and identified issues and service gaps. Common offenses were sexual behavior in public situations, inappropriate involvement of others, and involvement of minors. Major issues and problems…

A survey of 144 social work schools found that very few schools offered developmental disabilities content in their curricula, and those that did offered it primarily as a field practicum experience. Results raise concerns about preparation of social workers to practice in the field of developmental disabilities. (DB)

This study examined methods for determining how extinction should be applied to different functions of self-injurious behavior, specifically head-banging of three children with developmental disabilities. Since each subject's head-banging was maintained by different reinforcement contingencies, behavioral treatment techniques, although all based…

A man with a developmental disability discusses the self-advocacy movement, the cruelty of stigmatizing labels such as "mentally retarded," and the need for greater involvement in professional organizations such as the American Association on Mental Retardation. He proposes a joint conference with a self-advocacy organization. (DB)

Visual-language and augmentative-communication systems for individuals with pervasive developmental disorders and autism are presented as both legitimate languages and as effective strategies. Methods for choosing target environments, generating appropriate vocabulary, creating interactive language boards, and implementing them with appropriate…