Investigates the effects of child behavior problems on teachers' (N=3) intervention fidelity across two intervention protocols: escape extinction and functional communication training. Results indicate that a high rate of behavior problems during escape extinction appeared to punish teachers' efforts. A low rate of behavior problems was evident…

Thirty pairs of fathers and mothers who had school-age children with developmental disabilities were compared with each other and with 32 parent pairs of typical children. Results indicated no differences between the fathers and mothers of children with disabilities; however, these parents did experience more parental stress than others.…

The importance of evaluation in early childhood interventions of infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities is discussed. Eight questions guiding the evaluation process are presented, focusing on intervention expectations, purposes of intervention, personalization of intervention, and specification of anticipated outcomes, among others.…

This article discusses four necessary elements of the self-advocacy movement: gaining awareness of one's social and political situation; gaining awareness of individual strengths and potential; taking action through participation in community organizations; and having advisors collaborate with people with disabilities rather than treating them as…

Assesses Kuwait's progress in meeting the needs of autistic children, discussing the roles of governmental and nongovernmental bodies. Gives an account of the two special schools that are currently known to cater to this disorder. Concludes that little information is available to the general public, and makes recommendations to raise the profile…

Reviews Baron-Cohen's study of autism and an explanatory theory called modularity of mindreading, which proposed a domain-specific modular psychological model based on evolutionary, developmental, psychopathological, and neurobiological considerations. Enumerates problems with the modularity approach and emphasized the evolution of domain general…

This report describes a database, Database Problem Behavior, which provides professionals in the area of problem behaviors and developmental disabilities with accessible information beyond their own disciplines. The current machine-readable database encompasses 885 empirical studies on the functional analysis and behavioral and pharmacological…

Describes a University of Alberta project that focuses on family interventions to enhance the resilience of high-risk children with developmental disorders; the project's research phase, which compares and evaluates three interventions (family-centered assessment and intervention planning, natural teaching strategies, and cooperative family…

Asserts that although no instrument has proved sufficiently robust to recommend universal screening, screening instruments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can play an important role. Discusses the clinical issues raised in screening for a developmental disorder, including risk status, management advice, and availability of services. Asserts…

Understanding of the cardinality principle in children with Williams Syndrome (WS) was compared to that of typically developing children. Findings indicated that such understanding was extremely delayed in WS children and only at the level predicted by their visuo-spatial mental age. Findings suggested that visuo-spatial ability played a greater…

The following categories of research on choice behavior of individuals with severe developmental disabilities are reviewed: assessing their choice making, building choice opportunities in daily contexts, and evaluating the effects of choice making. Research suggests that most people with severe developmental disabilities are capable of making…

This paper examines current literature about social competencies and individuals with developmental disabilities, explaining the role of leisure in enhancing social competencies through the lifespan. After defining perceived social competence, the paper looks at how recreation and leisure can increase communication and social skills for this…

Three analyses were conducted to assess the effects of different consequent stimuli on the stereotypical and self-injurious behavior of two children with severe developmental disabilities and dual sensory impairments. Contingent presentation of the specially selected stimuli plus response interruption resulted in more suppression than contingent…

A study involving 1,235 residents of Sonoma Developmental Center found 3 residents had hepatitis C virus infections, and 633 had past or current hepatitis B virus infections. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection rose rapidly with longer residence in institutions. Hepatitis A virus infection had occurred in 494 residents. (Contains…

Sleep problems may occur in up to 88% of children with visual impairments who have developmental disabilities. The use of oral melatonin has recently been used for the management of sleep difficulties in children with and without disabilities. Sustained-release melatonin may reduce nighttime awakenings and increase total sleep time. (Contains…