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)

This study characterized individual advocacy performance differences of 3 individuals with developmental disabilities and 21 parents before and after participating in training programs called Partners in Policymaking. A three group taxonomy of advocate development (beginner, involved, and activist) is suggested. (DB)

A multimethod approach to program evaluation using quantitative methods, subjective assessments, and qualitative case study methods was used to evaluate a federally funded grant to improve quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities. Discussion focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of each evaluation method and impact of the…

This study examined whether raising a child with Down's syndrome affects a family (n=34) differently than does raising a child with another developmental disability (n=74). Results found that long-term adjustment to raising children with other disabilities was comparable to that of raising children with Down's syndrome. (CR)

An assessment of the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families was conducted via focus groups of individuals with disabilities, family members, and professionals (n=50). Concerns included preservice staff training, inservice staff training, and program delivery and development. Implications for quality assurance and…

A longitudinal study of 39 infants who engaged in stereotyped or self-injurious behaviors that were served in early intervention programs found these behaviors increased and declined over age more slowly than in typical babies. Head-banging seemed to be related to tantrums, whereas eye-poking developed early and seemed to be self-stimulatory.…

An adolescent with developmental disabilities who used a wheelchair was anecdotally observed to display little aggressive behavior when being pushed, but higher rates when movement was terminated. A functional analysis confirmed the elevated aggression and the child was taught to request movement through appropriate means. Aggression decreased…

In response to a paper on effects of risperidone on behavior in people with developmental disabilities, this paper raises the issue of how clinicians determine whether treatment should target the psychiatric disorder underlying the aberrant behavior (diagnosis-based treatment) or should target the aberrant behavior directly (behavior-based…

Thirty-six English language learners at-risk for developmental disabilities were observed for six days within 4 elementary schools and 26 classrooms. The most frequently taught subjects were math, reading, and language arts. English was the most frequently used language of instruction and students engaged in academic behaviors 44% of the time.…

Compared the levels of perceived stress on several dimensions of parenting in mothers and fathers of 159 children divided into 4 groups: conduct disorders, autistic, Down syndrome, and developmentally normal. Results showed that mothers and fathers reported similar levels of stress when parenting exceptional children, although their patterns of…

Surveys current research on causes and treatment of autism. Identifies features of autism and outlines causal theories and related treatments. Analyzes problems with the different approaches to causes of autism. Suggests the multiplicity of approaches implies lack of success in any one area. Contends behavior modification provides best results and…