Intermediate-grade African-American students with developmental handicaps participated in a project to enhance their self-perceptions related to their ethnicity. As a class, the students produced an ethnic feelings book that encompassed both factual information about African Americans and students' interpretations of their ancestors' feelings…

Developmental language disorders in preschool children are described. Levels of linguistic functioning are defined, and clinical language disorders are presented. Implications for the school psychologist are discussed, with an emphasis on assessment of verbal and non-verbal functions. (SLD)

Claims it is appropriate for the aging and developmental disabilities networks to explore the intersections of their operations with respect to their methods of administration, advocacy, service systems, development, and policies. Discusses roles of State and Area Agencies on Aging. (Author/ABL)

Five teachers serving 26 children (ages 3-15) with developmental disabilities received training on creating opportunities for requesting (missing item, interrupted chain, delayed assistance). The strategy was effective in helping teachers increase the number of functional communication requesting opportunities and the number of correct student…

This study reviewed 113 research articles involving 299 subjects and a corresponding sample of 299 adaptive skill programs implemented in state-funded residential facilities for adults with developmental disabilities. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between researchers and clinicians in adaptive and maladaptive behavior…

This commentary on EC 608 301 points out that devotion to the natural science canon of experimental proof in the area of generality testing requires proof procedures that are difficult, expensive, or impossible, but adopting a different canon of proof will not produce the desired certainty about the accuracy of the answer. (JDD)

Social workers (n=395) were surveyed concerning their role in assisting older parents of developmentally disabled individuals with permanency planning. Practitioners, administrators, and educators similarly perceived ease in counseling aging families, but also noted their need for additional resources and specialized training. Recommendations…

This editorial reviews areas of health care reform including managed health care, diagnosis-related groups, and the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale for physician services. Relevance of such reforms to people with developmental disabilities is considered. Much needed insurance reform is not thought to be likely, however. (DB)

Analysis of concerns expressed by 42 members of 19 families of young adults with severe developmental disabilities indicated concerns in such areas as self-care capabilities, sexuality, and quality of residential services. Concerns in the residential domain were most predictive of overall individual and family stress. Effects of questioning…

This study identified the nature and frequency of contacts that case managers had with families and adult service providers for 90 young adults with developmental disabilities during school-to-community transition. Frequency of contacts was examined by participants' gender, type of disability, and placement outcomes. (JDD)

This article considers the importance of using age-appropriate software for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities and the difficulty in finding such software. It outlines suggested sources, ideas for screening and evaluating software, and seven steps in selecting software. (DB)

Parents (n=79) of children with autism and related disabilities were surveyed about their children's challenging behaviors and what resources were needed to manage these behaviors. A high frequency of such behaviors was reported. Contingency management was the most effective management approach. Results are discussed in terms of families' needs,…

Briefly describes Amish history and culture, the Metzenbaum Center for special needs children in Geauga County (Ohio) and grounded theory approach to investigation of the center's success in gaining trust of Amish. Results of seven interviews indicate that the Center's outreach success is due to repeated home visits by center staff and a support…

The need for professional personnel to work with Australians with developmental disabilities would best be met through establishment of multidisciplinary academic centers for teaching and research. Academic staff at these centers should hold conjoint appointments with relevant professional disciplines, and the centers should be networked with…

This study evaluated 2,815 adults with developmental disabilities in 328 Illinois intermediate care and skilled nursing facilities. Only 10 percent were determined to be appropriately placed in medical settings; 27 percent were enrolled in day training programs; and many individuals recommended for alternative residential settings had medical and…