Examined the marked delay in language acquisition suffered by babies with Down Syndrome and how early treatment affects the subsequent observed development among 36 subjects in Spain. Found statistically significant differences in language acquisitions in favor of newborns, compared with 90-day-old through 18-month-old infants who experienced…

Videotaped 10 West African Nso and 10 German mother-infant interactional sequences and conducted discussion groups about videotaped mother-infant interactions to investigate conceptions of motor stimulation and developmental goals. Results highlighted different perceptions of good parenting. Nso women focused significantly more on motor handling,…

This article examines the latest technological advances in hearing aids and explores the available research to help families and professionals make informed decisions when fitting amplification devices on infants and young children. Diagnostic procedures, evaluation techniques, hearing aid selection, circuit and advanced technology options, and…

Fathers and mothers of firstborn infants completed parental responsibility surveys; recorded accessibility and direct interaction time in caregiving, play, and outings; and were videotaped in free-play with their infants at age 9 and 15 months. Fathers spent less time interacting with their infants than mothers and invested less time in…

Describes how infants and toddlers learn to use action, object, picture, and word symbols, and offers suggestions for educators and caregivers to facilitate symbol use. Discusses how adults can introduce books to young children and enhance the symbolic aspect of the care and education program. (KB)

Data were collected on 731 patients (age birth to 18) at a children's hospital otolaryngology clinic. Most frequent laryngeal pathologies were subglottic stenosis, vocal nodules, laryngomalacia, and vocal fold paralysis. Laryngeal pathologies were more common to males than females, were most common in the youngest patients, and were distributed…

The relationship between the development of object permanence and early words was studied in three young boys, two totally blind from birth and one severely visually impaired. Subjects acquired early words within the age range for sighted children but their word usage was different. The two blind children were delayed in their development of…

Mothers (N=27) of infants and children with long-term tracheostomy completed modified version of Impact-on-Family Scale in study examining maternal perceptions of effects of infant disability on family life. Mothers reported much stress in caring for young disabled children, most notably in financial status. Reported strong sense of mastery in…

Speech-language pathologists working with infants or toddlers with feeding problems should obtain a feeding history, conduct an assessment of feeding practices, set appropriate preliminary and long-range goals, and investigate treatment options and appropriate feeding techniques. Feeding techniques for premature, neurologically impaired, Down…

Discusses the need for child care providers to be sure children in their care who are between the ages of 15 months and 5 years have had Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. Urges child care center staff to avoid use of bean bag infant cushions and to inform parents about the hazards posed by the cushions. (DR)

About one-third of Black Americans live in poverty. The inability to achieve economic independence renders them hostage to numerous problems that may include occasional or chronic hunger, homelessness, and lack of adequate health care. Blacks must pursue vigorous political representation, among other strategies, to attain economic…

When assessed for speech/language development, 31 children (age 1-12) fitted with endotracheal tubes for more than 3 months beginning by age 13 months showed overall language functioning within normal limits and commensurate with cognitive ability. However, a pattern of expressive language disability was noted in the oldest group. (Author/JDD)

The study compared the effectiveness of using the Sonicguide, a device using echoes to aid orientation and mobility, with five blind children aged 5-48 months. Results found that children at all age levels were able to use the guide. These results conflict with previous results suggesting a critical age for device usefulness. (DB)

Examination of the speech of eight mothers and eight fathers to their one- to two-year-olds (N=8) indicated that, while paternal speech was not more diverse than maternal speech, paternal speech did show greater use of rare vocabulary and lower use of common vocabulary. (Author/CB)

The article examines the need for new strategies for screening and identification of infants potentially eligible for services under Public Law 99-457. Both traditional and new assessment methods involving the family are required. (Author/DB)