Presents a response to "School Psychology from an Instructional Perspective: Solving Big, Not Little Problems" (this issue). The author supports Shapiro's arguments but worries much about the barriers that would have to be overcome to enable such a paradigm shift to occur. (GCP)

This paper reacts to testimony on early childhood special education research before the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education (EC 632 080). It supports the recommendations made by the authors of that paper and suggests that, in addition, recommendations be developed that address a broader systems perspective. (Contains 5…

Findings are reported related to the research methods and statistical techniques used in 450 group quantitative studies examined by the Council for Exceptional Children's Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices Project. Studies were analyzed across seven dimensions including sampling procedures, variable selection, variable definition,…

Differentiates fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) from fetal alcohol effects (FAE) and discusses difficulties in diagnosing these conditions. Describes the effects of FAS/FAE on young children, detailing impact on sensory processing, focusing attention, and cognitive development in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Presents suggestions for caregivers…

Principles and guidelines for conducting ecological assessment of preschool children with behavior disorders are offered. Steps in the assessment process are identified with suggestions for translating assessment results into intervention actions. Included are a sample parent education home visit record and a list of characteristics of effective…

This paper discusses risks to communication development in infants and toddlers. It suggests basic guidelines for assessment of the infant, the interaction, the caregiver, and familial strengths and needs. It also suggests guidelines and resources for intervention with infants at various linguistic stages and with their families. (JDD)

Early language developmental delay within high-risk and handicapped populations is explored, focusing on: basic guidelines and emerging directions in screening, diagnosis, and ongoing evaluation of infants, toddlers, and their families; early intervention activities in neonatal intensive care nurseries and in community settings; and future…

This article explores the rationale for early detection and management of children with significant hearing loss. Topics covered include attitudes toward hearing loss, monaural and binaural auditory sensory deprivation, auditory self-monitoring, and value of early intervention on linguistic and psychosocial development. (Author/DB)

Evidence from health, social services, family support, child care, and pre-school education programs shows that damaging outcomes for at risk youth, and the risk factors that precede them, can be substantially reduced by early intervention. Attributes and examples of effective programs are described. (IAH)

Discusses definitions of family; forms of language and communication; and beliefs about health, illness, and disability that need to be understood by those involved in early intervention programs for young children with disabilities and their families. (PCB)

The mother of a seven-year-old boy with Down's Syndrome describes her feelings as she came to realize that, despite intense early stimulation activities, her son's developmental capabilities were limited. The article also notes that media exposure of the successes of some disabled children sometimes creates unrealistic expectations in parents.…

An overview is presented of common causes of vision loss in young children and the impact of a visual impairment on development and learning. The article also discusses the role of the family and team members in meeting the intervention needs as well as issues affecting delivery of early intervention services. (Author/DB)

Parents of 40 Down's Syndrome babies were taught methods of communicative training with their children that involved either modeling techniques or written instructions. Results showed a significant difference in favor of the group taught modeling. (RJC)

Principles of program evaluation and strategic planning are discussed and applied to a case example of the Anne Arundel County (Maryland) Infants and Toddlers Program. This program contended with issues of increased referrals and enrollment, evolution from a child-centered to a family-centered paradigm, and change to community-based provision and…

A survey of 128 British families of children with autism found progress over the last decade in the shorter time for referral to specialists, younger age at diagnosis, and younger age at receipt of special education services. Difficulties remain in obtaining initial professional advice and support, correct diagnosis, and appropriate help in the…