The phonological competence of 4 children, ages 5-7 years old, with a diagnosis of developmental apraxia of speech (DAS), was contrasted to that of 4 normal children. The DAS children revealed a severe deficit in rhyming ability. Results suggest that DAS is a fundamental disorder of the segmental phonological level of language. (Author/DB)

This paper outlines the principles of the rehabilitation process; describes the role of rehabilitation medicine with reference to services in the Saint George district of southern Sydney (Australia); and discusses the problem of the transition of patients to adult services. (Author/JDD)

Interview questions most frequently used and corresponding beneficial responses were derived from an empirical analysis of the "hiring community" and were used in developing a job interview skills training package for adults with developmental disabilities. Training resulted in improved responding by all subjects. Improved quality in responding to…

Text, a table, and a graph show average per resident daily expenditures in large state-operated mental retardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD) facilities in Fiscal Year 93 by state, and average annual per resident expenditures in large state-operated MR/DD facilities since 1950 both in absolute dollar amounts and in 1964 dollars. (DB)

This commentary on EC 605 926 examines the issue of whether the family or the individual with developmental disabilities should be the unit receiving services and discusses the impact of disability on the family. It concludes that the best interests of the family generally coincide with the best interests of the individual with disabilities. (JDD)

Administered 2-, 4-, and 6-subtest Stanford-Binet (Fourth Edition) short forms to 53 children (ages 6-10) with Total Composite (TC) Standard Age Score (SAS) under 79. Compared prorated Partial Composite SASs based on subtests with TC SASs. Six subtests correlated with TC SAS; only one six-subtest short form accurately approximated TC SAS at level…

The Special Peer Action Network (SPAN) program in Jackson County (Florida) schools brings together gifted students and students with developmental disabilities. Gifted students received background information and training in how to serve as models, helpers, and friends of students with disabilities and then participated in structured interactions…

This study investigated the amount, quality, and persistence of spontaneous repetitive play and alternative types of play with 28 children (half with Down syndrome). Down-syndrome children engaged in more repetitive activity, though the quality of play was similar for both groups. Results suggest that repetitive play may serve the same…

Reviews the literature on "safe" levels of lead in children and their association with developmental disabilities. It concludes that lead pollution in Australia, especially the Lake Macquarie area of New South Wales, continues to be a problem, that the current standard "safe" level should be reexamined, and that a…

This study compared parent reports of sleep behaviors of 38 children with autism or pervasive developmental disabilities with those of children with mental retardation alone, in special education but not retarded, or typically developing children. Findings indicated that parent perception of children's sleep difficulties and sleep quality was…

Reviews characteristics of pervasive developmental disorder and Asperger's disorder in the context of social work. The current literature and the roles of the social worker are discussed relative to education, case management, family therapy, individual therapy, and group work. (DB)

Compares programs of the Southwark Consortium in London and Denver Options, Inc. in Colorado in the delivery of services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Identifies cross-cultural implications. (SK)

Evaluation of a Michigan program to integrate persons with developmental disabilities into the community evaluated variables including involvement of allies in planning futures, number of people with disabilities residing in each home, proportion of earned income, level of disability, and level of mobility. Earned income was the variable that most…

Social workers' awareness of and formal involvement in family-centered early intervention for infants and toddlers who are at risk or who have developmental disabilities is very important. Social workers do not always receive formal preparation in this area. This article provides an overview of the definition and identification of developmental…

Explores the ideals associated with reform in systems of support for people with developmental disabilities. In particular the ways in which these ideals are fueling initiatives around the country, the challenges that constraint their full realization, and the steps that must be taken to keep the developmental disabilities system moving in a…