School refusal was one of the behavioral symptoms exhibited by a 12-year-old Japanese boy with Heller's syndrome, a disorder in which normal or near-normal development for the first few years of life is followed by a loss of speech and social skills, along with other behavioral symptoms. (JW)

Eight mothers of developmentally disabled children (ages 2-11) were individually trained in eight skill domains (e.g., preparation, complete communication, clarification, consensus, feedback) to enhance their communication skills with professionals. Each parent acquired the targeted skills during simulated conferences, and correct responding…

Assessed the extent to which the presence of a young developmentally disabled or nondisabled male child affected adaptation and family roles for mothers and fathers, using a multimethod approach. Proposes the concept of harmonic responsiveness to explain how proffered support must be tuned to the perceived needs and expectations of spouse. (RH)

The peer interactions and cognitive levels of play of mildly developmentally delayed preschool children were compared as they participated in mainstreamed and specialized settings. They engaged in substantially higher rates of peer-related social behaviors and constructive play when mainstreamed. Factors affecting early childhood mainstreaming…

The study assessed the effects of a negative practice contingency plus DRO on the self-stimulatory hand-clapping of three developmentally disabled students, aged 6-9. The procedure was effective in suppressing the behavior, and follow-up observations showed that the occurrence of hand-clapping continued to be low. (Author/JDD)

Offers selective reviews on adult outcomes of severe mental retardation, autism, conduct disorders, mild retardation and adjustment disorders of childhood. Discusses important prospective study of mild retardation. Stresses that adjustment disorders of childhood only rarely continue into adult life; but incidence of these disorders is on the…

Professional review teams in nine Third World countries assessed a sample of children referred as probable cases (or as controls) from a door to door household survey of 1000+ children aged 3 to 9 years. Examines the criteria used by the teams in determining whether or not the children should be classified as severely mentally handicapped. (RWB)

The computer has been used successfully in the education of persons with handicaps. Five subjects with developmental disabilities were selected for a six-month study and trained to use the microcomputer in performing basic data entry and word processing tasks. Four of the five subjects were placed in computer-related occupations following the…

The article cites projects and activities of the Utah State University Developmental Center, including the use of applied technology, in preschool, academic, and social curricula; the use of "expert systems" for special education consultation and decision making; a cost-effectiveness study; early intervention; and an interdisciplinary…

The article describes a programmatic approach that measured the qualitative dimensions and performance of functional movement in 43 infants and young children with delayed motor development (ages 4 weeks to 5 years). Procedures involved selection of posture and movement intervention targets, baseline assessments, intervention sequences,…

The article reviews and analyzes existing assistance procedures with moderately to severely developmentally disabled students. Procedures considered include those performed prior to responding and those involved with fading assistance. Implications for selecting assistance procedures are examined. (CL)

Parents need information about the range of community resources and services available to them as soon as they learn their child has a disability. Schools must take a more active role in directing parents to community resources. (Author/CB)

Microcomputers can be an asset for the physical educator in dealing with special education students. Factors to keep in mind when exploring the use of computers in the classroom are offered. (DF)

This report describes achievements and activities of the Parent Early Evaluation of Kids (PEEK) Outreach Project at the University of Oregon. This project focused on assisting state agencies, regional and tribal entities, and local health and education programs to develop comprehensive, low-cost systems for child-find and referral. Rural and inner…

This paper describes the Pathfinders program in New York (New York), which works to facilitate the full integration of adults with developmental disabilities into workplaces and neighborhoods. The paper is organized around the question of whether students graduating from special education can find paid and volunteer work in community settings,…