The behavioral and heart rate responses of 22 children (ages 3-4) with autism and 22 with other developmental disabilities were compared while they were watching videotapes of a baby either playing or crying. Both groups of children showed heart rate slowing when watching the video of the crying baby. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Focus group interviews were conducted with 38 Hispanic parents of youth or young adults with developmental disabilities. Findings suggest Hispanic parents have a diversity of hopes and expectations concerning future living, employment, and free-time options for their children with disabilities. Key recommendations focus on implications for…

Discussion of developmental disability and child welfare notes the relatively high numbers of children with disabilities receiving child welfare services and/or in foster homes. Suggested changes include training for prospective foster or adoptive parents, the new concept of the "foster to adopt" family, and more involvement of professionals in…

The article reports on a survey of 27 states that received major systems change grants from the Rehabilitation Services Administration to convert traditional day activity programs to supported employment for developmentally and other severely disabled persons. Results indicate states are taking a cautious approach toward converting existing…

Since people with developmental disabilities may be particularly vulnerable to the acquisition of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), prevention education is critical. Key principles utilized in existing models are discussed with recommendations for adapting these models to persons with mild/moderate mental retardation offered. (Author/DB)

Describes the Living in Family Environments (LIFE) program in Michigan, which is designed to improve the socioeconomic status of families receiving welfare while offering children with developmental disabilities the chance to lead more normal lives in a home environment. (BB)

Use of neurodevelopmental treatment, also known as the Bobath method, is discussed, including its history, philosophy, goals, and treatment emphasis with infants and children with movement disorders. Examples of children before and after therapeutic intervention illustrate use of the technique, and controversies in measuring therapy efficacy are…

The contributions of the families of John Kennedy and Robert Cooke to national policies on mental retardation research and services are explored. The course of federal funding from 1950-1985 for mental retardation and developmental disabilities is traced for six program categories: services, training, information/coordination, income maintenance,…

As required by Public Law 100-146, states must submit to the Administration on Developmental Disabilities data concerning services to persons with developmental disabilities. This paper reviews relevant literature to establish a theoretical framework, definitions, and suggestions for extent, scope, eligibility requirements, and measures of…

Psychological predictors of self-concept, behavior problems, and social competence of 55 siblings of developmentally disabled children were compared with those in 55 siblings of nondisabled children. Distinct psychological predictors for children with developmentally disabled siblings included parental stress and resources, perceived family social…

This study examined empirically the functionality of sign language and iconic communication book symbols in community settings. Subjects were two adolescent students with autism. Results demonstrated successful communication by the students with communication books but not with signs. (Author/JDD)

The study of affect comprehension in 15 children with pervasive developmental disorders (ages 7-10) and normal children matched for mental age found that the disabled children were impaired on affect matching compared to the controls and were impaired on face and affect matching relative to their own performance on object matching. (Author/DB)

This article describes the development of training materials for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and discusses statewide systems efforts to promote self-determination. The materials, developed by Florida agencies, are designed to enable individuals and family members to envision and realize choice, inclusion, and…

Four toddlers with mental retardation were studied in the context of a multiple baseline across subjects design. Results supported the use of a modified version of milieu teaching to increase intentional requesting by these children. Increased intentional requesting was generalized to interactions with mothers. (Author/DB)

In this study, 23 young children with developmental delays interacted with an adult, who conducted 2 play sessions using 2 interactive styles differing in the adult's use of topic-continuing wh-questions. Use of the questions supported child conversational continuations at all language levels. (DB)