This paper addresses the processes by which state agencies regulate services for individuals with developmental disabilities and explores whether the regulatory process can be directed to issues affecting the quality of life of people receiving developmental services. Limitations of regulations include the unpredictability of long-term effects,…

The Questionnaire on Resources and Stress (short form) was completed by 51 mothers and 42 fathers of children with severe developmental disabilities. Factor analysis of parcels found that gender of parent seemed to have minimal effect on perceptions of stress and coping. Validity of the questionnaire for use with mothers and fathers was supported.…

A review of studies that used the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress with families rearing children with developmental disabilities identified three primary difficulties: (1) definitional problems: (2) multiple measures of the same construct that do not converge: and (3) failure to replicate. Solution strategies include separating demands,…

Differences in comprehension, production, and appreciation of humor were explored among a total of 47 second and fourth graders, of whom 26 fourth graders had learning disabilities or developmental handicaps. Although children without disabilities comprehended cartoons better, no production differences were observed. (Author/DB)

Five adults with developmental disabilities were trained on six interactional skill areas using the "Sorry" game format. The study involved natural environment training, role playing, and modeling of correct responses only as an error correction procedure during training. All participants increased their use of trained behaviors during…

Analysis of the social exchanges of 33 toddlers with developmental disabilities showed that more of the observation time was spent socially with mothers than with peers, and the number of turns per exchange was longer with mothers. However, toddlers initiated more social exchanges with peers than with mothers. Few changes were exhibited over time.…

Presents clinical findings among 43 children with and 43 children without developmental disabilities referred for treatment of child sexual abuse. This preliminary research found similar clinical findings for both groups and these findings were consistent with the existing research literature. However, slightly more clinical problems were reported…

Describes minimal requirements for functional intervention-based eligibility assessment of preschool children with possible developmental disabilities. The methodology is intended to help derive logical, natural, and meaningful discrepancies in behavior or performance through contextual analysis of child-related, environmental, and instructional…

This study sought to differentiate pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS) from similar nonautistic disorders on the basis of a cognitive deficit, theory of mind (ToM), which is the ability to infer mental states in others, a deficit highly prevalent in autism, a disorder similar to PDDNOS. Results suggest that children…

Reviews concepts and practices in the enhancement of peer relationships among young children in the context of play experiences with particular emphasis upon the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Examines definitions and typical developmental patterns of social competence and offers some best-practice guidelines based on…

The impact of a training program to help staff prevent and effectively manage aggressive behavior was assessed with 109 staff members who worked in services for persons with developmental disabilities. Instruction in distraction, defusion, and nonaggressive physical intervention strategies was provided. The training significantly improved…

Comparison of what people with developmental disabilities in Wyoming and South Dakota wanted and received in programs in 1988 (N=2,927) and in 1996 (N=3,934) found that the percentage of people placed in their preferred setting rose substantially, from 51% to 84% in Wyoming and from 62% to 72% in South Dakota. (Author/DB)

Examines stress and adjustment in parents of three groups of families. Results, based on 54 families, indicate that parents of autistic children reported more family stress and adjustment problems than parents of children with Down's Syndrome, who in turn, reported more stress and adjustment problems than parents of developmentally normal…

An evaluation was made of the empirical validity of the Diagnostic Assessment for the Severely Handicapped-II (DASH-II) with 51 individuals with severe/profound mental retardation, some of whom were also diagnosed with autism, and controls. The Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder subscale of the DASH-II was internally consistent and just as…

Three adults with developmental disabilities in supported-employment settings were successfully taught self-management strategies for addressing hygiene issues. The intervention included: a checklist with steps necessary to address particular hygiene issues, modeling the steps to each participant, providing praise and feedback, and teaching the…