This study evaluated an HIV/AIDS education program provided to 31 employees of a sheltered workshop for persons with developmental disabilities. A survey of sexual activity supported the need for such a program. Comparison of pretest and posttest scores on an AIDS Risk Knowledge Test revealed an increase in knowledge that was related to the…

Forty-eight children (ages 5 to 13) with autism or related pervasive developmental disability were paired with normally developing peers for informal play periods. Compared to a control group, the experimental children demonstrated improved social behavior which sometimes generalized to interactions with other children and the larger school…

The Child Behavior Rating Form (CBRF) was adapted for use with children having mental retardation and was named the Nisonger CBRF. Independent factor analyses of parent and teacher ratings for 369 children produced 2 Social Competence subscales and 6 Problem Behavior subscales. Internal consistency was generally high and parent-teacher agreement…

Presents a training model that uses an interdisciplinary approach to train students from various disciplines to work as team members with families who have a disabled infant or toddler. Discusses the role of school social workers in providing leadership on teams and service coordination and in coordinating the continuum of care needed by a family.…

A cooperative camp program trained three teenagers with developmental delays to be counselors-in-training (CITs) for a children's day camp. Trainees learned about the basic chain of command at camp, first aid and emergency care, child development, and behavior management. The program was deemed successful in increasing job opportunities for…

This article examines systemic barriers (i.e., racism and prejudice, equity of resources, and professionals' views of themselves being different) faced by minority families in the assistive technology decision-making process. Implications for professionals working with students with mental and developmental disabilities from minority families are…

Offers suggestions to kindergarten teachers for creating a more accepting environment in their classrooms for children with disabilities. Three key influences in attitude formation are discussed--indirect experiences, direct experiences, and the child's primary social group--and ideas for examining these influences and adapting them are suggested.…

Evaluates Simulations in Developmental Disabilities (SIDD), a multimedia software program, that provides students with practice in behavioral assessment and treatment decisions for persons with developmental disabilities. Explains that students in the experimental group received instruction with SIDD following a lecture on clinical strategies.…

Describes the Special Training and Employment (STEP) program at South Brunswick (New Jersey) High School Library, a job-training program for students with developmental disabilities. Presents scenarios that illustrate student workers' experiences. Discusses the importance of cooperation, program costs and budgeting, and benefits of the program.…

This article describes a program designed to provide early identification of developmental and behavioral problems of children who are at risk because of poverty. The three-tier approach provides general observations of child behaviors, a structured play group, and developmental screening and/or formal assessment. (DB)

This article examines the use of multi-modal augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. It also reviews instructional strategies for developing conditional use of aided and unaided AAC. A case study of an adolescent boy illustrates the acquisition of aided and unaided AAC…

As aberrant behavior is often recognized as the number one form of communication, it becomes imperative that as parents, teachers, and educators we must address and systematically teach or provide all children with an effective means of communication. While many augmentative and alternative communication systems such as manual sign language and…

Playdates are a regular part of life of many preschool age children, and when a child with disabilities cannot participate in the typical playdates of childhood, they, and their parents, feel isolated and lonely. This article discusses different aspects of running successful playdates for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.…

Early detection of developmental and behavioral/mental health problems is greatly facilitated when quality instruments are deployed. This article describes how to identify accurate measures and presents standards for screening tests. Included is a table delineating accurate tools for primary care: typically those relying on information from…

This study was conducted to examine the impact of Relationship Focused Intervention (RFI) on a sample of Korean mothers and their preschool-aged children with disabilities. Subjects were 18 mothers of children with developmental problems (ages 3-8 years). Ten of these mothers were assigned to an RFI Treatment group and eight to a No RFI Control…