Two repeated-measures designs with 15 speech-delayed children (ages 2-8) and 5 case studies were completed to compare tabletop management at early and late stages of the response development phase with 2 computer-assisted drill-and-practice activities, 1 of which involved fantasy. The three intervention modes were equally effective, efficient, and…

A home-based, computer-monitored contingency intervention program was developed to provide a source of cognitive and motivational stimulation to infants with handicaps. Equipment includes a computer, contingency interface, software, adaptive toys, switches, and a mounting panel. Learning was exhibited by 19 of 20 infants, and parental response was…

Despite the traditional view of adolescence as a healthy period, there are increasing concerns about the health status of youth. Many adolescent health needs are unmet due to misconceptions and to the organization of health care services. Behavioral science can contribute research, interventions, and health policy to benefit adolescent health. (AF)

In a short-term, intensive parent-training program, mothers of developmentally delayed infants are shown how to teach their children toy play behaviors. This study evaluates intervention effects on parents and children, with a focus on maternal behaviors. Results indicate improved maternal teaching behavior and generalizability of positive…

This article describes the continuum of treatment/education interventions developed to address the needs of Kentucky adjudicated and other at-risk and delinquent youth, ranging from school-based alternative education programs to long-term stays in residential programs. The interagency collaborative approach emphasizes transition planning to less…

This paper examines school readiness practices, some of the assumptions behind the school readiness controversy, the efficacy research on these programs, legal issues related to school readiness practices, and how school readiness practices interfere with early intervention and the inclusion of all children in the schools. (Author/DB)

Participation of 18 parents of young children with disabilities in field-site experiences for graduate school interns was examined. Parents indicated support for their involvement in such training programs. Implications for using families in personnel training in early intervention are addressed. (Author/SW)

An approach to the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders is presented that considers the difficulties in relationships and communication secondary to sensory and motor processing deficits. These difficulties are conceptualized as Multisystem Developmental Disorder (MSDD), and case vignettes illustrate typical patterns of MSDD and…

Investigated the efficacy of two related reciprocal teaching interventions--with cooperative grouping or with cross-age tutoring--on the reading comprehension of learning disabled English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students. Found no significant difference between the two groups: both made comprehension gains and continued to improved when…

For many poor children in Latin America, successful adjustment to primary school is impeded by child, family, and school characteristics. Early intervention efforts have been moderately effective, but their initial effects are often overwhelmed by structural features of primary schools. A coherent, carefully supervised educational program with…

A social skills program for learning disabled children consisting of coaching, role-playing, and information sharing was implemented over a 6-month period by a clinical psychologist in collaboration with classroom teachers. When compared to the control group, participants in the experimental program demonstrated greater social acceptance and…

This article integrates literature from counseling, rehabilitation, multicultural education, and special education to explain the importance of life-span considerations, including the preschool and early school years, and the life-space factors of family, culture, and community. Principles for transition interventions which promote empowerment are…

Reviews the problem of violence in public schools, summarizes existing knowledge of prevention, and reviews violence prevention programs that use educational, regulatory, technological, or combined approaches. Recommendations address both policy and program needs. (Author/SM)

This study investigated the relative influence of parent attitudes and behaviors on the scholastic and social adjustment of 720 low-income inner-city black sixth graders in the Longitudinal Study of Children at Risk. Findings suggest that affective characteristics of parents deserve attention in educational reform and intervention efforts. (SLD)

Reviews the special risks of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome epidemic to adolescents, the role of youth in the spread of this disease, and the importance of effective school-based educational intervention programs. Discussions of various prevention strategies, including condom availability in schools are…