The parent of a child who suffered from a developmental disability tells of problems with the kindergarten teacher concerning the child's placement and evaluation. Parents can provide valuable information about their children--if only teachers will listen. (PP)

Describes respite care, a temporary relief service for families with developmentally disabled members at home, as an essential element in preventing institutionalization of disabled persons. Major approaches for providing respite care are identified. The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches are discussed. (Author/JAC)

When students were introduced to developmental disabilities and spent time in a developmental center's dental clinic, attitudes about mental retardation didn't change despite timing of the clinic visit or the lectures. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the human trait of attempting to read minds in an attempt to make sense of the actions of others. The term Mindblind comes from the fact that this is difficult for people with autism to do. Mindreading appears to be encoded in the genes and adaptive. (PVD)

The United Kingdom literature on effects of deinstitutionalization of adults with developmental disabilities from 1980 to 1994 was reviewed. Analysis generally associated smaller, community-based residential services with improvements in user engagement, adaptive behaviors and challenging behaviors, community acceptance and integration,…

This study involved 14 students (ages 6-12) with developmental disabilities in inclusive classrooms, their 324 typical classmates, and 221 typical students in noninclusive classes. Students with developmental disabilities made gains in adaptive behavior. The academic performance of the typical students in reading/language arts and mathematics did…

This study used the self-determined learning model to teach self-regulated problem-solving skills for achieving self-set goals to four mainstreamed middle school students with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. Data revealed immediate and dramatic changes for all participants, with performance levels maintained at 100 percent.…

This article identifies six core elements that have empirical support and should be included in instructional programs for students with autistic spectrum disorders. They are: (1) individualized supports and services; (2) systematic instruction; (3) comprehensible/structured learning environments; (4) specialized curriculum content; (5) functional…

The author of a paper on effects of risperidone on behavior in people with developmental disabilities rebuts a criticism by suggesting that a specific diagnosis of psychiatric disorder is unimportant, since risperidone was effective in reducing aberrant behavior regardless of psychiatric diagnosis and/or environmental contingencies. (Contains…

Investigated whether a community based fitness program could help improve the fitness levels of adults with developmental disabilities (predominantly mental retardation) and promote fitness and exercise. Pretest-posttest data indicated that personalized social support increased participant compliance and motivation, adaptations in routines helped…

A study examined the behavior of 8 Israeli children (ages 2-4) with developmental disabilities and maladaptive behavior who were exposed to direct lighting with unshielded standard fluorescent lamps vs. indirect diffuse full spectrum fluorescent lamps. The duration of adaptive behaviors was significantly higher under the indirect lighting.…

To help physicians select appropriate screening tests for early childhood identification of developmental disabilities, 19 screening tests were administered by a pediatrician and rated by a panel of pediatricians and a special educator. Five of the tests were identified that approached standards for educational and psychological tests. (TJH)

The consensus statement of a panel of experts on treatment of destructive and self-injurious behaviors in persons with developmental disabilities addresses such areas as approaches used to manage these behaviors; evidence for the effectiveness of various approaches; the risks and benefits of the various approaches; recommendations; and needed…

Studies assessing treatments for severe behavior problems of developmentally delayed persons were reviewed. Procedures used in the 382 studies, published from 1967-1987, were analyzed in terms of problem behaviors, side effects, and treatment methods. Also examined were number of studies reported yearly, maintenance and generalization of effects,…

Examined is the importance of history in studying the development of educational and other services for people with developmental disabilities. Two events are of particular note--the experience of Itard and the Wild Boy, and the rise and fall of the first age of optimism regarding the potential of disabled people. (MSE)