Two studies compared the effectiveness of two procedures (multiple examples across trials and within trials) in teaching 10 students (ages 10-20) with moderate disabilities functional word discriminations. The first procedure was superior in acquisition; the latter procedure, however, was better under generalization for most participants.…

The Stereotypy Analysis, a means of analyzing environmental variables associated with differential rates of stereotypic behavior, was conducted with five adults with developmental disabilities. Results indicate the analysis was able to detect environmental events associated with stereotypic responding for three subjects and was useful in…

This paper proposes a model whereby children's behavior problems, parental stress, and parenting behavior are related. It reports evidence that child behavior problems lead to parental stress but finds other model aspects have not been tested in the developmental disability field. Also considered are practical implications integrating research of…

Twenty-one children with moderate to severe developmental disabilities attending two special education schools in Israel participated in group bar/bat mitzvah ceremonies. Children were observed during the six-month learning process and the ceremonies. Parents and school staff were also interviewed. The study found the children could both express…

Illustrates and evaluates the reliability and accuracy of an efficient performance-based behavioral recording procedure to record both appropriate and problem behaviors with persons with developmental disabilities. The results demonstrate that performance-based behavioral recording procedures are precise and efficient methods of recording…

This article draws on empirical data and anecdotal examples to support teaching parents of young children with developmental disabilities naturalistic language intervention strategies. It also identifies the skills that parent educators need to be effective and discusses a model for preparing professionals to teach parents. (Contains references.)…

This paper presents a systematic approach for addressing the support needs of persons with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and describes a new scale to measure individual differences in support needs. It explains the process used in developing the scale and discusses critical issues and practical challenges associated…

This article summarizes mental retardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD) spending since 1977, with emphasis on spending from 1995-2000. The change in state economic conditions, from strong growth in recent years to fiscal constraints in 2002, is addressed. Tables provide data trends in MR spending by type of placement and state and changes in…

Evaluation of maternal responsiveness of 109 preschoolers with disabilities (Down Syndrome, neurological impairment, and developmental delay) in free play situations found that parental age, mother's support, and child responsiveness contributed to maternal responsiveness. (Author/DB)

Three studies investigated environmental correlates of self-injurious behavior in seven developmentally disabled children and adolescents which were then later used for treatment. Correlates investigated included positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, automatic reinforcement, and control. "Escape extinction" was successfully…

This preliminary study of the Neighborhood Living Project summarizes daily counts of integration activities for 50 mentally retarded residents from 8 supported living sites over an average of 2 years. Integration opportunities varied as a function of where the resident lived but not of level of mental retardation or number of disabilities.…

The article relates the nursing home component of a nationwide study of public mental retardation/developmental disabilities spending to requirements of Public Law 100-203. Approximately 51,000 individuals with developmental disabilities resided in nursing homes in 1989 of which 40 percent may need to be relocated under P.L. 100-203. (Author/DB)

The Illinois survey of 72 community residential alternatives serving 512 developmentally disabled persons found that, though recreation and leisure activities were a part of residents' lives, funding for leisure pursuits was limited and a need for improvement and/or expansion of recreation/leisure services was expressed. (Author/DB)

A pilot project in rural Mississippi provided supported employment services to five handicapped persons. The project combined professional resources available through a community-based developmental disabilities program with existing community resources and social network systems. Project components, project development, and individual client…

Describes an assessment and intervention approach that was added to a more traditional evaluation procedure to treat the attention deficits of a boy of 2 1/2 years who had mild cerebral palsy. (RJC)