Using magnitude of dominant ear advantage as an indicator of relative cerebral dominance, unwarned simple reaction time (RT) to monaural presentation of tones was investigated in matched groups of autistic, retarded, and normal children. Autistic children showed significant developmental delay in both RT and the establishment of cerebral…

Comparing developmental education for parents, parent education in child management, and a control situation, this study assessed treatment effectiveness in motivating parents to participate in home programs for developmentally delayed infants. Results indicated the superiority of the developmental program in terms of parent participation and…

Four supervisors working in a sheltered workshop for developmentally disabled adults participated in a behavior management program. Tests of durability of the altered behavior at three months and six months after completion of training showed that three supervisors had maintained low levels of attending to inappropriate trainee behaviors. (Author)

A curriculum designed to incorporate sex education into the regular curriculum through a human growth and development approach is described in a six-level outline focusing on social identity, physiological identity, and health and hygiene. (CL)

The Peabody correlated significantly with the McCarthy General Cognitive Index, Verbal Scale, Perceptual Scale, and Memory Scale. A significant difference between the means of the two tests was found, with the Peabody yielding lower scores. (Author)

A method is described for estimating changes in the rate of development because of an early intervention program as applied to developmentally disabled children. The clinical usefulness of the technique described seems to outweigh the potential for admitted but unavoidable methodological imperfections. (Author)

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…