Two studies compared the effectiveness of alphabet principle training only versus combined alphabet principle and syllable awareness training with at-risk spellers (grades 2 and 3). Differing results suggest use of a two-tier early intervention model in which first the alphabet principle is taught and applied and then the following year children…

First offers a framework for thinking about diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of autism. Then offers principles of program evaluation, describes components of appropriate early intervention programs, and offers guidelines for evaluating alternative treatments. (Author/DB)

Describes the early-intervention program experiences and perceptions of parents of children with disabilities. Discusses the perceived inability of service providers to discuss frankly the fiscal or staffing barriers to services and the emphasis on transdisciplinary teams over a family-centered philosophy. Provides recommendations for increased…

This article on professional roles in early intervention introduces the concept of expanding roles to include collaborative reflective inquiry within communities of practice as one way to reform professional practices. It suggests that reflection within communities of practice extends the understanding of individual professionals but also holds…

Defines youth development programs and reviews the program evaluation literature. Discusses (1) positive-behavior focused competency/asset enhancing programs, (2) problem-behavior focused competency/asset enhancing programs, and (3) resistance skills-based prevention programs. Includes an appendix of detailed summaries of 15 program evaluations.…

Examination of data from the Infant Health and Development Program, a comprehensive program to avert health and intellectual impairments associated with premature low birthweight, does not show any enduring and meaningful effects on cognitive development resulting from the program. Discusses findings in terms of intelligence and its mutability.…

Examines the relation of scientific research on intelligence to issues of public policy by reviewing a critical analysis of the Infant Health and Development Program, an early intervention program for low birth weight infants. Early intervention research can play an important role in shaping public policy. (SLD)

Examines definitions related to prevention and intervention for children to inform development of ideas in health, education, and social services contexts. Summarizes principles of effective prevention/early intervention. Presents examples of good practice, focusing on the High Scope model and a contemporary program in England that allows health,…

Describes the unique effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on development in early childhood and offers suggestions for interventions in the cognitive, language, social-emotional, motor, and adaptive domains. Urges more intensive, long-term studies on the immediate and long-term effects of TBI. (Author/DB)

Examined the feasibility of integrating children with mild disabilities into mainstream preschool centers in Singapore. Results after nine months of implementation found positive effects for the children, both disabled and nondisabled, their parents, and teachers. (Author/KB)

Assessed relationship between characteristics of early intervention programs for hearing-impaired children in Quebec and academic achievement. Found that higher achievement was associated with services initiated before children were age 2, were parent- centered rather than child-centered, and emphasized auditory intervention and an oral…

This is the story of my daughter, Hannah. Hannah is an amazing child. She can speak, read, and write English. She can play the piano and violin and she is mainstreamed into a third grade class. Hannah was born profoundly deaf and was not diagnosed until she was almost two years old. She received a cochlear implant when she was 2 1/2 years old.…

Hanging onto kids who might otherwise leave school is the mission of the Options Complex at Margaret A. Ireland School in Cleveland. Options Complex is a program for students in grades 6-12 who are behind in school by two or more years. Much of the concern about dropout rates has focused on improving high schools. Experts say that struggling…

Interagency coordination on behalf of eligible infants and toddlers and their families is a defining feature of Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In the present study, enrollment data for child welfare services and Part C services were examined to assess the degree of overlap between the two service systems. Results…

This article reviews research on the typical development of joint attention and challenges that infants and toddlers with autism experience in achieving this milestone. We define joint attention as coordinating attention to an event or object with another individual, sharing interest and social engagement, and showing an understanding that the…