Attempts to identify deficits in object knowledge specific to the autistic syndrome. Examines the correspondence between sensorimotor and play behaviors and language in mentally retarded and normal children. Determines whether these correspondences are different for autistic, mentally retarded, and normal children.(Author/AS)

Rural residence and social service delivery, role of the social worker, availability of services (staff count), and special training for service providers are examined to propose that case coordination, focusing on services to the client, is more appropriate than case management in meeting the needs of the rural developmentally disabled. (MM)

This paper addresses the question of what it takes for parents of people with developmental disabilities and service workers to build and maintain productive relationships. It considers whether such a focus compromises principles of self-determination and suggests that people with strong support actually have more autonomy. Eleven suggestions for…

This collection of papers on managed care and long-term supports for people with developmental disabilities includes a range of reprinted articles and resource materials that provide different kinds of information and opinions on the impact of managed care. Articles include: "A Position Statement on Managed Care and Long-Term Supports in…

This guide is intended to help agencies serving older adults with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities in setting up a relatively inexpensive creative art program. The first section presents a rationale for creative art experiences for this population and then provides specific information on program development, including…

This paper discuses the findings of a research study that compared 191 families of children with spina bifida and 145 families of children with mental retardation. Findings include: (1) mothers of children with developmental disabilities (DD) perceived that they experienced more poor health/mood problems than the mothers of children with Spina…

This study analyzed the association between resilience and violence as rated by teachers and parents of exceptional students (N=613) from large urban, public schools in Ohio. Multiple types of exceptionalities were represented and a high proportion of the diversity came from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Resilience predictor variables were…

This volume is third in a series of 10 publications intended to provide practical or trend-oriented information related to serving children and youth with mental retardation, autism, and other developmental disabilities. Chapter 1 discusses the history of characters with mental retardation or developmental disabilities in children's literature.…

This paper is a report of user studies for developing learning strategy tool software for children. The prototype software demonstrated is designed for children with learning and behavioral disabilities. The tools consist of easy-to-use templates for creating organizational, memory, and learning approach guides for use in classrooms and at home.…

This qualitative study examined constructs of "expertise" in the domain of music with five groups of handbell choirs, four of which were comprised of individuals with mental retardation or developmental disability. Subjects with mental retardation also differed in their residential placements (home, community, institutions) and level of…

Describes rationale for and creation of the Parent Helpers Program, a program designed to provide families who experience the birth of a developmentally disabled infant with a supportive and informative climate in which to maximize family adjustment. Presents the structure of the program and case histories of parents. (Author)

The teacher's role as advocate for developmentally disabled students is described, and a model program for preparing teachers to be advocates is considered. Twelve competencies to be demonstrated in the Florida International University Vocational Education for the Handicapped Professional Certificate Program include knowledge of alternate role…

The four stages of separation individuation--symbosis, differentiation, practice, and rapprochement--are examined and the early stages of childhood development are discussed in relation to the education of developmentally disabled children. (PHR)

A comparison of parental descriptions revealed that mothers of developmentally delayed children listed fewer deviant behaviors than did mothers of behaviorally disturbed children, but significantly more than mothers of nonclinic children. The Washington Symptom Checklist, used in this research, proved a useful clinical tool. (Author/SS)

Discusses the effects of a cognitive-behavioral intervention that focused on facilitating expressive behaviors with their parents of 44 children (ages 22-32 months) with pervasive developmental delays and autism. Results found the program "Learning to Speak" increased the children's verbal compliance and decreased acts of verbal noncompliance. (CR)