A study involving 356 twin pairs with early language delay found environmental influences shared by both twins were more substantial than genetic factors. Heritability was significantly higher in those with persisting difficulties but only when assessed in terms of parental concern at 3 years or professional involvement at 4 years. (Contains…

This article offers an historical perspective and evaluation approach for technical assistance efforts provided by U.S. based agencies in the Pacific and two studies of outcome evaluation at the regional and local level. The Palau Interagency Model is discussed in depth as a model for change and improved interagency coordination. (Contains…

Describes Ellsworth and Ames' edited book as an eclectic collection including historical, ethnographic, autobiographical, empirical, and self-reflective texts. Maintains that although the book is an important contribution to the literature by placing current practices into historical and social context, thereby leading to a more critical view of…

Twelve practical strategies that can be used by classroom teachers to prevent behavioral escalation are discussed, including reinforce calm, know the triggers, pay attention to anything unusual, do not escalate, intervene early, know the function of problem behavior, use extinction wisely, teach prosocial behavior, and teach academic survival…

This article describes a graduate program that uses an interdisciplinary approach to prepare early intervention practitioners to work with young children with autism, severe physical impairments, and other low incidence disabilities. The program features joint course work across the Schools of Medicine and Education and seminars on collaboration…

This article provides an overview of the family information gathering process in early intervention and the effect of cultural and linguistic diversity on family information gathering. Practical strategies that early intervention providers can use in interviews, surveys, and observations are discussed, as well as implications for personnel…

This article analyzes outcome measures used in intervention research with young children with autism, including 72 reports evaluating specific intervention practices and 15 reports of complete intervention programs. Results indicate measurement of mediating variables is essentially absent in the evaluation reports and there is a lack of other…

This article describes a four-session summer program that provided parents of children with speech and language delays with information on the importance of phonological awareness, research-validated teacher training materials on early literacy, and training on how to use the materials. The Summer Sound Camp was conducted in a home setting.…

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…

Reviews the literature supporting cooperative learning as a means to promote social and cognitive growth among handicapped children in a classroom environment. In an analysis of three studies, cooperative learning strategies were shown to increase the chance that mainstreamed children would be accepted by classmates and show positive gains in…

Presents excerpts from 12 case studies of rural at-risk students. Examines their common characteristics, the high prevalence of at-risk students in rural areas, the relationship of this phenomenon to rural cultures, and prevention and treatment factors in the school and community. Contains 16 references. (SV)

The article describes educational needs and services of visually impaired children in Latin America noting especially the lack of services for children under the age of seven. It proposes early identification, provision of basic services within the child's home and local environment, and training in basic teaching techniques for anyone willing to…

Israeli elementary-level hearing-impaired students (N=188) were studied to determine the relation between background variables (family characteristics, student characteristics, and educational intervention) and educational placement (special schools, special classes, or regular classes). Placement was found to be related to socioeconomic status,…

Approaches to early intervention services for rural families with young children with disabilities are considered, including service delivery models and strategies for interagency collaboration. Proposals concern increasing access to services in rural areas, personnel training and utilization, and developing an infrastructure through regional and…

The Southeastern Institute for Faculty Training model for preparing interdisciplinary teams of higher education faculty to provide leadership in training in early intervention for young children with disabilities and their families is described. The model includes stakeholder support, leadership commitment, needs assessment, infusion of…