Parents of 36 autistic children were assessed on child functioning and family stress variables in relation to use of respite care services. Results suggest that parents with more difficult children need and use respite care more than others. Nonusers of respite care reported a higher perception of social support than users. (JDD)

This article discusses: the concept of team interaction as it relates to early intervention with young special needs children, the evolution of the family's role on the team, and principles and practices for team development of the Individualized Family Service Plan. Examples of exemplary family-focused principles and practices are provided. (JDD)

This article discusses four major implications of the proposed reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: (1) higher expectations for students with disabilities; (2) more family involvement in children's progress; (3) noncategorical approach to eligibility; and (4) simplified eligibility requirements. (DB)

Young people's experiences of transitions are moving away from traditional normative expectations, because the patterning of youth transitions is becoming increasingly pluralized. From aggregate European statistics, descriptions of changes in patterns in educational training, family separation, partnership building, and entry into the labor market…

Illustrates with a hypothetical adolescent with a disability the use of the McGill Action Planning System for initial and follow-up transition planning. Shows how the system promotes self-advocacy for students and families and provides information useful in the Individualized Education Plan. (SK)

This excerpt from an address by the National PTA president to the PTA national convention (June 1992) examines PTA volunteers' responsibility to all children. Because fewer adults have direct ties to schools, those who are involved must help bring others into the picture. (SM)

Presents ideas to help parents enhance their children's creative writing at home by building upon what they learned at school. Suggestions include modeling respect for written words, reading aloud, providing good tools and a comfortable location, selecting topics, hearing the message behind the written words, and publishing the child's work. (SM)

This article applies four theoretical perspectives to the development of Group Action Planning, which supports infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families in inclusive environments. Practical suggestions for implementing Group Action Planning are offered, as is a longitudinal vignette of its application with one individual with…

This paper reviews evaluations of family-centered intervention programs conducted in neonatal intensive care units. Of 10 studies identified, 3 focused on intervention to benefit the family system; 6 involved parents, but the primary focus was the infant; and 1 study combined the 2 approaches. All the studies had substantial limitations.…

Describes programs such as "Read Together" and the "Gift Book Program" that were developed by "Beginning with Books," a prevention-oriented literacy agency affiliated with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Discusses projects that promote literacy in home and community. (MG)

Describes the process 1 family used to facilitate friendships for their 10-year-old daughter with Down's Syndrome. The article explains to teachers how children who are mainstreamed into regular schools can feel lonely without a support network to provide social interactions that might not otherwise occur. (SM)

Reports on the conceptual development and empirical use of the Family Intrusiveness Scale (FIS), an instrument designed to reflect levels of intrusiveness in the family system. Development of the instrument is explained, its use and evidence of its reliability are explored, and its practicality and effectiveness are considered. (MKA)

This article describes the successful Ohio Early Start program, which is designed to prevent later developmental problems in infants and toddlers. The program was coordinated with the existing early intervention program and other efforts to ensure a comprehensive, community-based and family friendly network of child development health and…

This article focuses on several approaches for schools to use of improve school climate, in part to prevent violence or at least to improve student behavioral conflicts, including: parent and community involvement, character education, violence-prevention and conflict-resolution curricula, peer mediation, and bullying prevention. (Contains…

Interviews 40 lesbians about their relationships with their parents and their partner's parents. Respondents reported that since coming out, their parents' attitudes about their lesbianism shifted over time from profound disapproval to ambivalence. Partners emerged as a beneficial influence on most of the respondents' intergenerational…