The consensus statement of a panel of experts on treatment of destructive and self-injurious behaviors in persons with developmental disabilities addresses such areas as approaches used to manage these behaviors; evidence for the effectiveness of various approaches; the risks and benefits of the various approaches; recommendations; and needed…

Studies assessing treatments for severe behavior problems of developmentally delayed persons were reviewed. Procedures used in the 382 studies, published from 1967-1987, were analyzed in terms of problem behaviors, side effects, and treatment methods. Also examined were number of studies reported yearly, maintenance and generalization of effects,…

Examined is the importance of history in studying the development of educational and other services for people with developmental disabilities. Two events are of particular note--the experience of Itard and the Wild Boy, and the rise and fall of the first age of optimism regarding the potential of disabled people. (MSE)

Discusses the issue of equal access to mental health and developmental disabilities services for Haitian immigrants in New York State. Demonstrates that Haitians' needs are not being met due to lack of program availability and poor quality care. Presents barriers to access that include cultural, political, legal, and institutional factors. (JS)

Highlights some of the major challenges state policymakers in the fields of aging and developmental disabilities will face in the years ahead and pinpoints specific areas in which closer collaboration between the two fields might prove to be mutually beneficial. (ABL)

Professional experience or educational background in public health provides a valuable perspective for designing, implementing, and evaluating early intervention services for children with developmental disabilities and chronic illnesses. Described are public health's historic role in early intervention and a graduate program exemplifying the…

Ecocultural theory proposes that ecological effects are mediated through the activity settings of the daily routine, and emphasizes the importance of the "sustainability" of everyday activities as a predictor of child and family outcome. The theory's applications are illustrated using case materials from a study of 102 families with…

The paper describes the rationale and implementation of incorporating computers into the service delivery system of a program which employs parents of developmentally delayed children to help other parents of similar children by visiting them in their homes. (Author/DB)

Forty-nine job developers were interviewed to identify the techniques and approaches used in successful job development for individuals with developmental disabilities. The interviews addressed such topics as the source and number of employer contacts, "opening lines" to employers, mention of disability, negotiations, interviews with job seekers,…

A peer-delivered incidental teaching procedure was used to instruct appropriate requesting in three adults with moderate/severe mental retardation or autism during lunch-preparation sessions. The procedure proved to be effective in increasing appropriate requesting. Generalization was obtained, and increased interaction between the residents was…

Interviewed parents of 20 preschool children with Autistic Disorder with the "Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Interview Edition Survey Form," upon admission to an intensive educational program. Results showed the Vineland was sensitive to changes in children's adaptive functioning. Suggests it is useful in assessing educational…

Therapeutic intervention to treat chronic food refusal in two children with multiple developmental disabilities consisted of elimination of feeding "demands" that provoked child agitation, incorporation of sensory stimulation as contingent reinforcement, and gradual introduction of the requirements for oral consumption. Consistent oral…

This study examined the listener preparatory behaviors (LPBs) of selecting a listener, establishing listener proximity, and obtaining listener attention, as exhibited by 16 preschoolers with moderate to severe disabilities attending three different self-contained programs. It revealed that opportunities for children to display all three LPBs in…

Social relationships were assessed in four classes of young children which included students with developmental disabilities. Reciprocal, positive relationships were found between children with disabilities and their classmates. Social relationships varied according to individual differences in social status and social profile of the children with…

Applied Bronfenbrenner's social ecology model to families that include a member with a developmental disability and who are making the transition from institution to community. Presents an overview of the model as well as a discussion of counselors' use of it in providing services to families in this situation. (RJM)