The relationship of bilingualism to learning disabilities and the incidence of bilingual children referred for medical evaluation of developmental problems is discussed. (JMF)

An adaptation of the Visual Efficiency Scale, which incorporated familiar three-dimensional objects into the task, resulted in a more successful measure of visual proficiency when tested with 15 developmentally delayed kindergarten and primary grade children. (PHR)

Examines the implications of a family-focused life cycle approach for delivering health and welfare services to developmentally disabled children and their families. (CM)

Seven counseling "syndromes," with illustrative vignettes, focus on some of the feelings, thoughts, and consequent verbal and nonverbal behaviors of counselors working with physically disabled clients. Counselors are urged to become aware of feelings and thoughts so that existing beliefs and biases will not interfere with positive client growth.…

Discusses Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) as a way to manage human service organizations that involves the participation of individuals with developmental disabilities, parents, and employees in the pursuit of consumer satisfaction and continuous improvement. Also addresses how program evaluation can be used in conjunction with CQI…

Profiles a Milford, Connecticut, middle school's efforts to help Eric Kowalchick, a developmentally disabled adolescent, develop life skills and friendships, prepare for work, pursue school and community club memberships, and attend high school classes. The school's mainstreaming program is a success, thanks to an institutional mission understood…

A study involving 470 parents of children with developmental disabilities examined the psychometric properties of a five-item subcomponent (DEP5) of Factor 1, Parent and Family Problems, of the Friedrich Questionnaire on Resources and Stress. Results found the DEP5 to be a reliable and valid measure of depressive reactions. (Author/CR)

A study examined the social cognition of 20 Dutch children (ages 8-18) with autism, 20 with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, 20 with psychiatric disorders, and 20 typical children. Theory of mind and emotion recognition functioning proved to be correlated and less integrated in children with autistic spectrum disorders.…

Used growth curve analysis to describe the development of 186 preschoolers with vision impairments. Found that mental retardation and developmental delay were associated with lower developmental ages and slower growth rates. Visual function of 20/800 or worse was associated with lower developmental ages and slower growth rates in personal-social…

In repeated trials over 6 weeks, 43 facilitated communication (FC) users with developmental disabilities were shown words without their FC aide present and were later asked to type the word using the aide's help. Under controlled conditions, some students could pass accurate information; measurement of FC under test conditions may have benefited…

This study compared the effectiveness and efficiency of using a small-group massed-trial instructional format to an individually administered distributed-trial format, both using the constant time delay procedure, in teaching eight preschool children (including three with developmental disabilities) to name pictures. Although all subjects acquired…

Although older people with developmental disabilities are living longer and appearing more often as social work clients, this population has not been included in preparation for practice with older clients. Issues include relationships within and outside the family, resource availability, and care policies. A model for infusion of these issues…

An investigation was conducted in Australia of 156 individuals with developmental disabilities who were long-term clients of a residential institution, to determine the incidence of hepatitis C antibodies. Results indicated that none of the residents was seropositive and that hepatitis C is less prevalent than hepatitis B in residential…

A questionnaire queried 203 international professionals working in the area of mental retardation/developmental disabilities to assess the meaning of 10 quality of life (QOL) concepts across seven cultures. Differences found between Japan and the other countries are discussed in terms of individualistic and collective cultures. (Author/CR)

This article explains and supports the policy statement on consent recently approved by the Board of Directors of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Provides ethical and practical suggestions for dealing with issues of consent among adults with mental and developmental…