Background and aims: The quality of parent verbal input--diverse vocabulary that is well-matched to the child's developmental level within interactions that are responsive to their interests--has been found to positively impact child language skills. For typically developing (TD) children, there is evidence that more advanced linguistic and social…

Although the early behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder have been well characterized, many behaviors are also commonly observed in young children with other developmental delays and even in those with typical development. Therefore, consideration must be given to whether a child demonstrates sufficient autism spectrum disorder…

This list of tools was compiled to assist states and programs with identifying assessments that can be administered when the assessor cannot be in the room with the child. Those using this resource are encouraged to review the recent presentations about applying assessment principles to evaluation for eligibility remotely for Part C and Part B…

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to receive several related services during their early school years. In this study, we followed 70 preschoolers with ASD and used parent reports to document the intensity of these services over a 4-year period, in relation to children's outcomes in three domains. While behavioral difficulties…

This study investigated perceptions of teachers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the importance of friendship development in comparison to other outcome priorities. Perceptions of teachers working in special classes were compared to those of teachers of mainstream classes. Friendship was rated of similar importance to social…

Little is known about outcomes of early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder reared in bilingual homes. There are concerns that social communication deficits among children with autism spectrum disorder may reduce the developmental benefits of early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder raised in bilingual…

A study of 41 preschool males with fragile X and 16 age- and IQ-matched controls were rated by their mothers on behavior rating scales. The males with fragile X syndrome were distinguished from controls in the following areas: motor skills deficits, increased initial avoidance, decreased social withdrawal, and positive mood. (Contains references.)…

A checklist developed by the Austin Early Childhood Special Education Program to help teachers assess handicapped students ages 4-7 and plan learning activities is presented. The checklist is comprised of 127 performance statements for six areas of development: perceptual skills, motor skills, self help skills, social and emotional skills,…

The patterns of adaptive behavior in gifted and nongifted children (n=296, ages 2-16) were compared using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. Results indicated a significant difference between gifted and nongifted groups in communication, social skills, and daily living skills, but not in motor skill development. (Author/JDD)

Presented is a checklist developed by the Austin Early Childhood Special Education Program to help teachers determine the functioning level of children ages 0-4 and plan appropriate learning experiences. Two-hundred and -three Behavioral Statements are provided for six areas of functioning: perceptual skills, motor skills, self help skills, social…