Describes manifestations and diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome (AS). Outlines areas to be addressed in planning educational programs for children with AS: learning style, behavioral patterns, learning strategies, environmental predictability, and behavior-emotion regulation. (Contains 25 references.) (SK)

A cost-benefit analysis is presented for Illinois's statewide supported employment initiative for individuals with developmental disabilities. The analysis concludes that society realized a $0.75 return for every $1.00 invested in supported employment, while supported employees realized a 37 percent increase in their earnings. (Author/JDD)

Cluster-analyzed results from intelligence and visual-motor measures of children (N=1,204) referred for academic and/or behavior problems. Found five subgroups with three of the five showing more dysfunctional patterns than other two. Results suggest influence of physiological/developmental factors with development of learning difficulties.…

Presents Comprehensive Employment Preparation program, an intervention designed to help youth and young adults with developmental disabilities acquire skills necessary to prepare them for effective functioning as self-sustaining, working members of society. Delineates such community-based strategies as vocational enrichment programs; pursuing,…

The article describes a six-week cooking program for developmentally disabled adults offered through the county continuing education program. The program utilizes illustrated recipes (an example is included). Significant outcomes and implementation pointers are noted. (DB)

This article examines reasons parents may choose a controversial alternative treatment for a child with developmental disabilities and reviews a few specific treatments--vitamin B-6 and magnesium, auditory integration training, megavitamins and minerals, Piracetam, intravenous immunoglobulin, and melatonin. Recommendations on talking with families…

Literature-based quality of life dimensions for individuals with disabilities were derived and proposed as a conceptual model, which was supported by 1,243 empirical measures in 87 studies. The studies were analyzed for demographic variables, type of investigation, methods of assessment and their psychometric properties, and common dimensions of…

Using a large sample, experienced facilitators, and subjects diagnosed with a spectrum of developmental difficulties, the efficacy of facilitated communications (FC) is tested. Pictoral stimuli that had been used as classroom teaching materials were presented to each subject and facilitator under three different conditions of five trials each.…

Five three-year-old children with disabilities were taught to identify rebus symbols. Children were given praise and instructive feedback. All children learned to identify all symbols. They acquired second and third sets of stimuli faster than they acquired the first set. (LB)

This study of supported employment's effects on wages earned by Michigan adults with disabilities found that wages increased after entering supported employment, mostly because of higher hourly rates but somewhat because of increased hours of employment and that individual placement had the largest effect on wages whereas participation in mobile…

Two studies of the unintelligible speech of developmentally delayed children found that more intelligible child speech was found in routine than in nonroutine situations and that extracted utterances were more intelligible under context-information-present conditions. (35 references) (Author/CB)

Barriers to cooperation between aging agencies and the developmental disabilities system include (1) unfamiliar language, philosophy, and priorities; (2) debate over numbers of older adults with developmental disabilities; (3) funding and operational differences; (4) lack of clear-cut goals; (5) differences in perceived benefits of cooperating;…

Paired and group presentation methods of preference testing were compared with eight adults with severe-profound developmental disabilities. Each presentation method was also compared with staff rankings of learners' preferences. Similar preferences were identified with both methods. Staff preference rankings were not highly correlated with those…

This study examined the community activities and social networks of 512 people with developmental disabilities living in communities in Wales. Results indicated that subjects were engaged in a wide range of community activities but that opportunities for wider interactions or friendships with nondisabled people were limited. (DB)

Presents overview of research on older adults with mental retardation, focusing on identification of the population, residential options, and service needs. Discusses similarities and differences between older persons with developmental disabilities and nonretarded elderly. Provides recommendations for future research. (Author/NB)