Results of a functional analysis indicted that the hand mouthing of a woman with profound mental retardation was maintained by multiple sources of control (sensory stimulation and access to a leisure item). Hand mouthing, though maintained by automatic reinforcement, was also susceptible to social contingencies when exposed to them during…

To assess the psychometric characteristics of the Verbal Behavior Assessment Scale, the 15-item questionnaire was administered to pairs of caregivers of 115 individuals with developmental disabilities. Exploratory factor analysis involving 11 more participants revealed evidence concerning the distinction of three different communicative functions…

This article examines the evolution of the early childhood system, characterizing the stressors facing families of children with developmental disabilities that can adversely affect a child's development and examining the response of the early intervention system to those stressors. Discussion of future directions for the early intervention system…

Parents of 49 children with developmental disabilities ranging from mild to severe completed the Reasons for Living Inventory. No significant differences were found between men and women or between individuals in one-parent versus two-parent households. Results suggested that the experience of having a disabled child may help to strengthen…

Two studies examined effects of four setting events and two organismic variables on the social behavior of children (ages 9 and 10) with developmental disabilities and autism. Results indicated that peer dyads; cooperative peer intervention; and triads, which included two high-status nondisabled peers, were most effective in promoting positive…

This study examined effects of resource perceptions and respite use in a theoretical model of adaptation with 72 parents of children with developmental disabilities. Amount and quality of respite services indirectly affected parental depression. Both quality and respite use were related to helpfulness of the parent's social network. The strongest…

Utilizes self-report questionnaires to assess the impact of employment status and a nonspousal partner on the well-being of 148 single mothers of children with developmental disabilities. Although generally multiple roles were associated with greater well-being, the quality of the roles was more predictive. (Author/MKA)

This article discusses a family-centered approach to assistive technology assessment for young children with mental retardation or developmental disabilities and their families. After a literature review, legal definitions of assistive technology are examined, and a model is presented for supporting and involving families in technology assessment…

This study evaluated self-control and impulsivity in two nine-year- old males with severe developmental disabilities and behavior disorders. Functional analyses suggested that aggression was reinforced by food access. A differential reinforcement procedure to reinforce appropriate mands was implemented. Although aggression occurred when it…

This article describes a cognitive process model of writing as it pertains to adolescents with developmental disabilities. It then synthesizes what is known about the writing process, writing instruction, and technologies that may support the writing development in adolescents with developmental disabilities. Student writing samples and case…

This qualitative study of 32 low-income families with infants or toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities (a) examines whether participation in one Early Head Start (EHS) program increased the likelihood that the families would pursue early intervention services, (b) identifies the phases through which the EHS families progressed in…

Elements of the twentieth century care facility of state origin are enumerated as the reader hopefully gets some idea of the social milieu or ethos of that period and the management profile thought to be proper and expeditious for unfortunate, homeless and poorly adjusted citizens. The life of staff and patients within these state sponsored…

In 2004, The Commission on Dental Accreditation adopted new standards for dental and dental hygiene education programs to ensure the preparation of practitioners to provide oral health services for persons with special health care needs. The course of action leading to the adoption of the new standards, together with the continuing obstacles of…

The aims of this study were to examine effects of on-the-job feedback after conventional analog staff training and to corroborate earlier findings of competent performance maintained without feedback from others. The study took place in a nursing home with four staff participants and a resident with problem behaviors. A multiple baseline design…

This article presents findings from a survey mailed to caseworkers, who answered questions about special needs, independent living skills, educational attainment, and services for 416 randomly selected foster youth in Illinois. A third of the adolescents had a mental health disorder, developmental disability, or other special need that their…