The Connect Project in Scotland uses a participatory model of researching home and community literacy practices in its family literacy program. The process brings out vital information about parents' views and values regarding literacy and how schools view and support parents. (SK)

Proposes an integrated theory of youth drinking behavior and reviews two large-scale, randomized trial programs in Minnesota utilizing this model to help reduce adolescent drinking: (1) the Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA) project; and (2) Project Northland. Effective long-term alcohol use prevention programs require strategies…

Fifteen preschool children with specific language impairment engaged in typical language intervention activities during conversation-based and imitation-based language programs. A higher number of positive social valence ratings; higher frequency of smiling, laughing, and engagement; and higher rate of verbal initiations were noted within…

This article suggests the use of marketing techniques to disseminate information products to parents of young children with disabilities. A marketing plan might include the following steps: determination of market needs, market segmentation and target marketing, marketing goals and objectives, marketing strategy, marketing mix tactics, and control…

This review notes that more behavioral recovery is often seen following damage to the nervous system than should be possible from the limited capability of the nervous system for regeneration and reorganization. The review offers a framework for reconciling the effectiveness of early childhood intervention strategies and the conclusions of…

Ten infants, 2 to 11 months of age, who tested positive for cocaine at birth, were assessed by means of the Battelle Developmental Inventory and a questionnaire administered to the infants' foster parents. Seven of the infants evidenced measurable delays that legally (in California) mandated intervention. The most effective caretaking behaviors…

Project Participate has developed and implemented a model for making decisions about interventions that enhance the ability of a preschool child with severe motor disabilities to actively participate in educational programs. The effectiveness of the process in increasing child participation in play, communication, social interaction, and mobility…

The mother of a child deafened by spinal meningitis in infancy discusses her emotional response to the diagnosis, including initial shock, guilt, and anger, followed by acceptance and constructive action. Early intervention services which center on family services and the importance of good communication between professionals and parents are…

This investigation studied the family environments and social support of 503 families of young children with handicaps enrolled in early intervention programs. Families identified as "distressed" were more likely to be of lower socioeconomic status and have children with more severe disabilities. Parents had high levels of early…

This paper describes the cultural influences on the process of interviewing families to develop intervention goals for young children with disabilities. It describes an approach to ethnographic interviewing that involves developing rapport, using descriptive questions, and carefully wording questions, to assist families in discovering answers to…

This paper examines conceptualizations of risk, methods for identifying and tracking infants and children at risk, models developed for identifying and tracking these children, the concepts of vulnerability and resiliency as they relate to risk, and implications of the ways in which risk is defined and tracking programs are developed. (Author/JDD)

Interviews were conducted with 30 parents of children with developmental disabilities and 30 parents of children without disabilities, all graduates of intensive care hospital nurseries. The experience gave both groups of parents a stronger appreciation for children and life itself. Differences between the two groups included amount of caregiving…

This review of the literature examines characteristics of the play of young children with visual impairments and suggests areas for intervention. The review notes that the deficits in symbolic play commonly exhibited by these children are related to language deficits and that intervention should focus on enhancing the child's sense of self.…

This article describes the need for early intervention for behavioral/emotional problems in special needs children. The model of the Behavioral Consultation Service of the Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Infants and Toddlers Program is applied to an infant with multiple disabilities, demonstrating relevant issues, intervention strategies to address…

The Coimbra Early Intervention Project was undertaken in Portugal to develop the first coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency program involving health care, education, and social service, using existing resources in the community. The program now operates regionwide and supports more than 100 families and children with disabilities or at…