A three-year study yielded data on the characteristics and progress of 44 preschool children with developmental delays of uncertain etiology. Findings support the use of traditional developmental tests for assessing developmental status. Analyses across time suggest that three assessments are needed before confident prediction is possible about…

Evaluated were the effects of a parent training program consisting of verbal instruction, modeling, and feedback on the affection and responsivity of three developmentally handicapped mothers towards their children. Results indicated substantially improved parenting skills which generalized to nontraining settings and were maintained over a 3-18…

The social interactions of 19 employees with developmental disabilities and 18 control employees were observed during work and breaks. Analyzed were the rate of social interaction, participants in social interactions, and content of social interactions (work-related or not work-related, commands, directions, offers of assistance, greetings, social…

In "Wise," two sets of parents of children with disabilities made a unilateral placement decision at an out-of-state residential facility. The case presents unique issues: resident status of the child and allocation of costs for educational services. Examines the "Wise" decision and its implications for the child and for school…

Data are summarized from 152 single-subject analyses of the reinforcing functions of self-injurious behavior (SIB) in individuals with developmental disabilities. Overall results indicated that functional analysis methodologies are extremely effective in identifying the environmental determinants of SIB on an individual basis and, subsequently, in…

A national survey of a sample of 1,600 residential facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities indicated that direct care staff turnover was significantly higher in privately operated community facilities than in public institutions. The most consistent correlate of turnover was wages. Intraorganizational and extraorganizational…

The total population of individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities in state institutions has steadily decreased since 1967 along with the number of operating state institutions. Projections indicate that decreases will continue. A graph summarizes total state institution closures between 1960 and 1995, and a table lists…

This commentary argues against assumptions of a paper (EC 608 301) on behavioral research methodology with individuals with developmental disabilities: (1) only knowledge deriving from integrated, community-based settings is relevant; (2) all research must immediately inform practice; and (3) there is little place for systematic study of behavior…

A table presents, by state and by year (1988 and 1990), the percentages of individuals reported by mental retardation/developmental disability agencies as being served in segregated and integrated employment programs. Accompanying text analyzes increases in individuals served in integrated employment from 1988 to 1990 and increases in total…

This study compared selection of a preferred reinforcing stimulus just prior to a training session by either the trainer or subject with profound developmental disabilities. Results obtained with four adult subjects indicated little or no difference in reinforcement effects when reinforcing stimuli were selected by subjects rather than trainers.…

The performance of a 3-year-old with Rett Syndrome in a Contingency Intervention Program using head and hand switches and adapted toys was assessed over 18 months. Learning contingent control of the stimuli positively motivated the child, promoted attention to toys and objects, and generalized to the classroom. (SW)

Cost of services to South Dakota individuals with developmental disabilities in state institutions and private community agencies was related to provider agency characteristics, funding source, and client characteristics. State-owned institutions were the most costly, and community services funded by state funds were least costly.…

This study attempted to evaluate patterns of behavioral change resulting from abuse in a school setting of 12 children with pervasive developmental disorders, primarily autism. Use of parental reports (with corroboration when possible) found consistent patterns in both the nature and timing of behavioral disturbances, which seemed to relate…

Ten infants, 2 to 11 months of age, who tested positive for cocaine at birth, were assessed by means of the Battelle Developmental Inventory and a questionnaire administered to the infants' foster parents. Seven of the infants evidenced measurable delays that legally (in California) mandated intervention. The most effective caretaking behaviors…

This meta-analysis of the developmental disabilities literature on remediation of problem behaviors evaluated relations between standards of practice, intervention and participant characteristics, and treatment validity. Results largely failed to support widespread assumptions of clinical practice such as the superiority of more intrusive…