Two systematic approaches (dimensional and typological) were used to develop classification systems. Each approach was evaluated on criteria applicable to general classification schemes and residential environments for retarded persons. A third, nested system was derived which satisfied rules for development and evaluative criteria. (Author/CL)

Variables affecting placement requests by 251 families for their developmentally disabled members were examined. Results reaffirmed the importance of degree of disability, behavior problems, and external stressors for the decision-making process but also demonstrated that previous assumptions concerning their relative importance should be…

The construct and predictive validity of adaptive behavior was investigated using a multitrait multimethod analysis with 66 mentally retarded institutionalized persons. Adaptive behavior had high convergent validity and low discriminant validity and predicted MA program placement better than did MA, suggesting that adaptive behavior scores could…

Specific nonadaptive behavior characteristics of 59 severely handicapped adults from state and private institutions, group homes, and parents' homes were investigated. No significant differences were found between the total population sampled and a sample matched on the demographic variables of CA, language age, sex, and diagnosis. (Author)

Surveys of parents/guardians of former state hospital mentally retarded residents revealed that the vast majority of parents were satisfied with their child's community placement and, in fact, preferred it to that of a state hospital placement. Findings suggest that parents prefer continuation of current placement. (Author/CL)

Findings from examination of the decision process used when deinstitutionalizing mentally retarded persons revealed that demographic and Adaptive Behavior Scale measures varied significantly with placement recommendations for skill development homes, group homes, small intermediate facilities, and large intermediate facilities. In general, higher…

The validity of the Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS) for placement purposes was estimated using as Ss 95 formerly institutionalized retarded persons, 97 institutional residents referred for discharge, and 178 institutional residents. Results suggest that knowledge of an individual's ABS scores would enable a test user to make valid estimates of group…

Current residential placement of 761 mentally retarded children in institutions during the late 1970s was described, and differences between children in institutions, in community settings, or with natural families were analyzed. Results indicated that the majority remained in institutions, and of those released, very few were placed in their…

Research on differences between families who do or do not seek residential placement for their severely mentally retarded children was summarized and organized within McCubbin and Patterson's (1983) Double ABCX Family Crisis Model, which considers family factors (demands, resources, and perspectives) in three phases (adjustment, restructuring, and…

Differences in the characteristics of unsuccessful (N=17) and successful (N=60) community placed clients were examined. Discriminant function analysis identified a maladaptive behavior factor and sex to be significant discriminators between the two groups. (Author)

A survey assessed the placement expectations and prognostications of educators, physicians, psychologists, and social workers (N=383) for mildly, moderately, and severely mentally retarded persons. Physicians had lower expectations of retarded individuals, particularly regarding the independent living skills of the moderately retarded and…