This article discusses the nature of joint attention, its measurement, and why this behavior domain is important for diagnosis and research with individuals with autism. Criteria in the current nosology related to the assessment of joint attention skills are reviewed and recommendations are made for assessment and intervention. (Contains…

This article discusses the importance of using a family-centered approach in early childhood intervention and practices that integrate child assessment within the context of the family. Strategies for developing an integrated approach within the different components of the assessment process are described. Principles for assessments with family…

Compared child care knowledge of United Kingdom 14- to 16- year-olds with and without learning difficulties. Found that knowledge of basic parenting and child care depended on type of school attended, reading ability of special school students, and provision of health education by the special school nurse. Found no associations between knowledge…

This study compared the linguistic, cognitive, and behavioral performance at 6-8 years of age of eight children born preterm and low birth weight (3-5 pounds) with that of 12 full-term peers. Quantitative analyses of performance profiles for all the children are provided. Findings found no significant differences between groups in linguistic,…

This study, with 180 deaf or hard of hearing infants and toddlers grouped into four age ranges, found highly significant interrelationships among the four categories of play and the four aspects of communicative development studied. The development of autosymbolic play, age of hearing loss identification, and symbolic object distribution accounted…

Notes infants' capacity for empathy and that the way parents respond to infants' natural selfish preoccupation as well as the behaviors modeled for them as they grow influence their manners and concepts of compassion, shame, and moral reasoning. (HTH)

Notes that record keeping and management are critical aspects of home day care centers. Highlights options for tools, including calendars, loose-leaf notebooks, ledgers, computer spreadsheet software, and file boxes. Provides guidelines for organizing information as well as particular information necessary regarding provider, parent, and child.…

Examines the types of book-sharing strategies mothers use to make book language comprehensible and enjoyable for children. Finds mothers of 24-month-olds and 4-year-olds used questions and extended explanations whereas mothers of 6-,12-, and 18-month-olds used simpler language and engagement strategies. (NH)

A study of 42 persons involved in providing early intervention services investigated perspectives on reporting abuse and neglect of children with disabilities. Participants described relatively few strengths within current reporting systems and several challenges affecting decisions to report abuse or neglect. Recommendations for reducing these…

After presenting an overview of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the theory is applied to the development of gifted children. The psychosocial crisis experienced by children when they are infants, toddlers, preschoolers, elementary-aged, and during adolescence are examined, along with ways parents and teachers can help at each…

This article reviews studies of early diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. It discusses diagnostic criteria, reliability of early diagnosis, and the need for a comprehensive evaluation. Currently, there are no objective measures that can be used for accurate diagnosis, and the diagnosis remains clinical. Guidelines for evaluation are provided.…

Discusses cultural differences in sleeping practices, focusing on how child caregivers can provide developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive care. Describes co-sleeping as an accepted practice in many cultures with several benefits. Discusses the role of cultural values, beliefs, priorities, and goals and the importance of…

This article profiles the Hope Infant Family Support Program in San Diego, California, and its shift to providing educational services in the natural environment. How the program managed this complex change process is discussed, including the development of a vision statement, incentives, skill development, resource allocation changes, and action…

This article reviews the nature and source of pain in young children with disabilities, challenges facing the clinician, and approaches for assessing and managing pain in infants and young children with significant neurologic impairments. The need for continued research to improve professional awareness and establish practice guidelines is urged.…

After reviewing attachment research, this article argues enhancing early child-parent relationships involves two principle tasks: helping parents identify children's needs and parents' responses to these needs; and helping parents gain insight into how their "states of mind with respect to attachment" influence their parenting behaviors and their…