For decades, researchers and providers of adult-directed early behavioral intervention services have made conceptual arguments linking the receipt of such services to improvements in family and family member quality of life. To date, there has not been a review of the literature to empirically evaluate this claim. Therefore, we conducted a…

Despite evidence for the usefulness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for young children with complex communication needs (CCN), several barriers prevent children from accessing AAC intervention. This qualitative study is focused on understanding the lived experiences of parents accessing and learning how to use speech-generating…

Early intervention (EI) provision is critical for families who have children with developmental disabilities (DD), but existing evidence suggests accessing EI is not always straightforward. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of access to various EI supports (e.g., professionals, services, interventions) for…

The Individual with Disabilities Education Act specifies that families should be include in the special education process and they must provide informed consent. However, families from Spanish-speaking backgrounds, often report barriers to participation. In this study, we provided a forum for Spanish-speaking families to tell their stories using…

Relationships between parent ratings of Part C/early intervention (EI) services and family outcomes for families of young children with disabilities were examined--specifically, the early childhood outcomes (ECO)-recommended family outcomes and family quality of life (FQOL). Measures included the Early Childhood Services Survey, the ECO Center…

This study examined utilization rates of scheduled early-intervention services for 146 infants and toddlers with disabilities. Among findings were: (1) 69% of families used most of their services; (2) child and maternal characteristics were not significantly related to service utilization; and (3) providers who were younger and closer in age to…

The serious consequences of challenging behaviors in young children have become an increasing concern of caregivers. Without intervention, the presence of challenging behaviors in young children is associated with unfavorable outcomes in school and later life. This paper describes a synthesis of the existing knowledge related to the processes of…

This paper reviews literature on the support needed by families of infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). A survey of 94 California NICUs indicated that they generally provide comprehensive services to families while infants are in the hospital, less service during the transition home, and very little support and follow-up after the…

Traditional standardized, norm-referenced assessments are used most often to determine children's eligibility for specialized services. These traditional tests have at least two drawbacks: (a) test items and activities often do not reflect children's functional repertoires; and (b) outcomes are difficult to link directly to goal development,…

A study investigated the experiences of 22 families of children (age 3) with disabilities as they entered, participated in, and exited the transition process. The shift in service delivery models was often problematic, families were given a limited choice of preschool programs, and few programs offered inclusive service models. (Contains…

A study involving 44 New Jersey early intervention programs estimated the cost of services. Variables affecting cost were: types of staff providing services, time allocations of providers, services setting and type, wage rates, and staff-child ratio. A fee-for-service system is discussed as a way to increase incentives for efficiency. (Contains…

A study of 50 boys with fragile X syndrome, their parents, and teachers, found early intervention started on average at 21.6 months and there was a steady increase in the amount of early intervention across age periods. Although parents reported satisfaction with services, most would have preferred more services. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This study investigated viewpoints of 290 parents and 267 professionals concerning early intervention services for infants and young children with disabilities in the light of requirements of Public Law 99-457. Major concerns of both groups related to accessing services, developing Individualized Family Service Plans, and coordinating services.…

Interviews with 536 families receiving early intervention services for their young children with disabilities identified significant barriers to service utilization for American Indian families, low-income families without medical assistance, and families with children under 18 months of age. Additional factors influencing the service utilization…

A study examined patterns and predictors of service use by 85 families of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) graduates, specifically premature infants. Enabling variables (NICU contacts and follow-up services) and parents' perceptions of children's problems were major predictors of service use. No demographic characteristics predicted service…