Delay/response inhibition in the presence of an attractive stimulus and compliance with maternal directives in a clean-up task were observed among subjects 18, 24, and 30 months of age. Results suggested (1) achievement of self-control is a major developmental accomplishment, and (2) individual differences in self-control emerge and are…

Strong evidence of overall effectiveness was found for a language intervention training program featuring parent training to facilitate early language acquisition in 11 developmentally delayed children (19-55 months old) in natural environmental settings. Gains were strongest at completion of the intervention period, but some children continued to…

Three children with severe and multiple disabilities (8-25 months old) were provided contingent learning experiences via electromechanical apparatus. Results indicated that all three children increased the frequency of the target behavior. The data are equivocal as to whether or not children showed an awareness of the response-contingent feedback.…

The article describes the use and design of several electromechanical toys that provide motivation, reinforcement, feedback, and contingent consequences to disabled infants and toddlers. Illustrations and explanations are offered for weight bearing boards, responsive puzzles, reach and grasp wheels, body parts teaching dolls, and kickpanels. (CL)

Analyzes the exploratory behaviors of 11 infants with Down Syndrome and 11 nondelayed infants, matched on Bayley mental raw scores and gender. Although both groups of infants organized their exploratory activities in similar manners, they showed significant differences in how they distribute these activities. (Author/BE)

Twenty-six families that had sustained the sudden and unexpected death of an infant and that had surviving children were interviewed. Parents of 28 of the 35 siblings reported changes in their child's interaction with them, 24 siblings demonstrated sleep pattern changes, and 13 siblings showed changes in social interaction. (Author/CL)

Behavioral scientists are using established experimental methods to show that fetuses can and do learn. The methodology employed and results obtained from several studies are reported. (JN)

A functional model of social competence for handicapped infants and preschoolers involves stimulus situations, behaviors, and outcomes. Socially competent behaviors are assumed to be affected by functional capacity, social awareness, temperament, and learning history. Four outcomes are requirements for socially competent behaviors: behavioral,…

In its eight years of operation, a British Columbia program to identify hearing loss in newborns has been duplicated at 19 regional sites. Summary data are presented for incidence of loss as well as type (sensorineural, conductive, or mixed). (CL)

The mother of a Down's Syndrome toddler describes the rewards of early reading experiences for her son. (CL)

Goal-directed persistence of 44 mentally retarded young children on tasks used to assess mastery motivation among nonretarded infants was examined to determine whether retarded children were motivated to solve or work on tasks that were slightly challenging to them. Results indicated significant age-related increases in children's goal-directed…

Five- and nine-month-olds (10 per group) were presented with horizontally and vertically oriented dowels to determine their development of prehensile adjustments. Nine-month-olds rotated their heads appropriately, whereas five-month-olds did so mostly after tactual contact. Results focused on the development of visual control of prehensile…

A model of early intervention that focuses on Proactive Empowerment through Partnerships (PEP) is described. The manner in which the PEP principles and social systems notions are operationalized at the programmatic level is also described. Data are presented to validate and evaluate the social systems perspective of early intervention. (Author/CL)

A summary of research on affective and cognitive development in young children with Down syndrome notes that affect and cognition seem as closely interrelated in Down syndrome as in nonretarded children. Overall findings indicate that from birth to two, children with Down syndrome experience significant delays in development of both affective and…

The Developmental Task Model provides a basic framework for attaining optimal normalization for chronically ill children. The model examines how specific characteristics of an illness interact with particular age-related developmental tasks of childhood. Developmental issues, effects of chronic childhood illness, and implications for intervention…