The article describes and illustrates data collection methods useful in establishing social interaction objectives for improving the quantity and quality of parent social interactions with their handicapped infants. Among these are visual analysis of relationship patterns across intervention sessions, and the use of percentage for describing…

This study tested the hypothesis that 15- to 21-year-old educable mentally retarded students could successfully interact with microcomputers and show interest in using them as a learning tool. High interest levels and attention spans and positive microcomputer attitudes displayed by subjects suggest there may be unrealized potential in…

Offers survey-derived demographic, disability characteristic, living setting, and health and social service receipt and need information on 7,823 developmentally disabled persons age 53 and older. Additional information is presented by age groups and residential settings. Both similarities and dissimilarities were noted between elders in general…

Although the past decade produced great strides in rights protection for developmentally disabled youngsters, they may not be sufficient to the adequate safeguarding of children's rights. This article examines several program components that help to ensure children's rights through effective teaching and treatment methods, emphasizing training and…

Self-injurious behavior is a serious concern for individuals who must provide educational services to developmentally disabled children. This article discusses research related to the motivation of self-injury; provides guidelines for designing treatment programs for self-injurious behavior; and introduces a new nonaversive treatment, differential…

Attempts to identify deficits in object knowledge specific to the autistic syndrome. Examines the correspondence between sensorimotor and play behaviors and language in mentally retarded and normal children. Determines whether these correspondences are different for autistic, mentally retarded, and normal children.(Author/AS)

Rural residence and social service delivery, role of the social worker, availability of services (staff count), and special training for service providers are examined to propose that case coordination, focusing on services to the client, is more appropriate than case management in meeting the needs of the rural developmentally disabled. (MM)

This paper addresses the question of what it takes for parents of people with developmental disabilities and service workers to build and maintain productive relationships. It considers whether such a focus compromises principles of self-determination and suggests that people with strong support actually have more autonomy. Eleven suggestions for…

This collection of papers on managed care and long-term supports for people with developmental disabilities includes a range of reprinted articles and resource materials that provide different kinds of information and opinions on the impact of managed care. Articles include: "A Position Statement on Managed Care and Long-Term Supports in…

This guide is intended to help agencies serving older adults with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities in setting up a relatively inexpensive creative art program. The first section presents a rationale for creative art experiences for this population and then provides specific information on program development, including…

This paper discuses the findings of a research study that compared 191 families of children with spina bifida and 145 families of children with mental retardation. Findings include: (1) mothers of children with developmental disabilities (DD) perceived that they experienced more poor health/mood problems than the mothers of children with Spina…

This study analyzed the association between resilience and violence as rated by teachers and parents of exceptional students (N=613) from large urban, public schools in Ohio. Multiple types of exceptionalities were represented and a high proportion of the diversity came from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Resilience predictor variables were…

This volume is third in a series of 10 publications intended to provide practical or trend-oriented information related to serving children and youth with mental retardation, autism, and other developmental disabilities. Chapter 1 discusses the history of characters with mental retardation or developmental disabilities in children's literature.…

This paper is a report of user studies for developing learning strategy tool software for children. The prototype software demonstrated is designed for children with learning and behavioral disabilities. The tools consist of easy-to-use templates for creating organizational, memory, and learning approach guides for use in classrooms and at home.…

This qualitative study examined constructs of "expertise" in the domain of music with five groups of handbell choirs, four of which were comprised of individuals with mental retardation or developmental disability. Subjects with mental retardation also differed in their residential placements (home, community, institutions) and level of…