The recognition of the importance of brain development in the early years of life has led to expanded early intervention programs for very young children with or at risk for developmental disabilities. A biological basis for early intervention is explored, and brain plasticity is discussed. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Two experiments investigated whether six individuals (ages 7-64) with developmental disabilities or autism would demonstrate stimulus classes after observing another individual demonstrate the prerequisite conditional discriminations. Results found that stimulus class technology, coupled with observation, may be an economical and efficient means…

Since behavioral interventions for challenging behaviors in children with developmental disabilities have limitations in the family setting, this paper presents a theoretical and working model of intervention that integrates contemporary behavioral and systemic orientations. Four stages for intervention are provided, each consisting of practical…

A study of 405 Irish children (ages 2-18) with Down syndrome, autism, and cri du chat syndrome, and 280 siblings found most had some level of self-feeding skills. Chewing problems were reported for some children, including siblings of children with Down syndrome and autism. Behavioral problems at meals were common. (Contains references.)…

This study examined the prevalence of otitis media with effusion (OME) in 14 children (ages 8-66 months) with developmental disabilities attending center-based childcare. Although younger children had more OME than older children, children with Down syndrome had the highest incidence of OME regardless of age. Implications of OME for fluctuating…

Forty developmentally delayed and 40 non-delayed kindergarten children completed an alphabet matching task and a spelling task using 2 different computer input devices: a traditional computer keyboard and a touch-sensitive computer screen. The touch-sensitive screen generally improved the performance of both groups. (Author/JDD)

Evaluation of 120 participants in a supported employment program suggests that successful program implementation led to on-going employment in community work sites, increased wages, and ongoing opportunities for interaction with nondisabled peers. Important procedural components included development of comprehensive Individualized Program Plans…

Two experiments investigated the effects of peer modeling on the acquisition of receptive and expressive language responses. Experiment 1 studied lexical learning among five children who were mildly/moderately developmentally disabled. Experiment 2 investigated the observational learning of receptive and expressive language responses by two…

Describes the Home-Liaison Playgroups program for preschoolers and infants with developmental delays. Mothers were intrinsic to the playgroup, which met once a week for two hours. An integrated playgroup and nursery for mainstream and special needs children were also developed. (NH)

The Code for Instructional Structure and Student Academic Response--Special Education (CISSAR-SPED) is an observation system which assesses the ecobehavioral processes within learning environments. Use of CISSAR-SPED with 12 students with autism or developmental disabilities provided both molar and molecular descriptions of special education…

The nature of chronic infections in developmentally disabled children is reviewed, along with appropriate management strategies for care providers and implications for other children. Discussed are herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, and human immunodeficiency virus. (Author/JDD)

Developmental disabilities and chronic illness can impact the oral health of children in the preeruptive and primary dentition stages. The article covers prevention and management of dental caries; gingival changes; trauma to the primary dentition; sucking, swallowing, and mastication; extraorally fed patients; and factitial injuries. Home-care…

Follow-up testing of 110 children with cognitive and/or language delays who had participated (when ages 3-7) in early intervention programs based on either direct instruction or mediated learning principles found few differential effects by the second year post-intervention, though the overall benefits of early intervention appeared to continue.…

The construct validity of the adapted version of the "Questionnaire on Resources and Stress-Short Form" was examined with 103 mothers of children with mild to severe developmental disabilities, aged 0-38. Results revealed that the questionnaire appears to be a valid, efficient, and effective measure of stress. (Author/JDD)

Twelve proficient peer models without disabilities demonstrated a response chain for a targeted learning task each day and described the steps to three classmates with developmental disabilities, who observed. The peer models performed the response chains accurately and quickly and the students with disabilities acquired the response chains. (DB)