Children and youth can face emotional strains after a traumatic event such as a car crash or violence. Disasters also may leave them with long-lasting harmful effects. When children experience a trauma, watch it on TV, or overhear others discussing it, they can feel scared, confused, or anxious. Young people react to trauma differently than…

Individuals with Down syndrome typically have low fitness levels and obesity despite data that indicate physiological gains from physical activity and exercise interventions. Low fitness levels and obesity in individuals with Down syndrome may be related to sedentary lifestyles, social and recreational opportunities, or low motivation to be…

The newsletter issue offers parents suggestions for managing the special child's behavior during infancy, toddlerhood, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. For each stage, typical behavior is described and suggestions are phrased as "do's and don'ts." Guidance for dealing with problems includes having a professional evaluation of…

Based on the belief that learning to communicate is critical for success throughout life, this booklet discusses ways parents can work with their children to provide the experiences and encouragement that will develop this important skill. The booklet's four main sections are: (1) Infants; (2) The Preschool Years; (3) The Elementary School Years;…

Focusing on the cooperative role of parents and public libraries in stimulating reading interests in children of all ages, this booklet addresses the following issues: (1) getting children interested in reading (reading aloud to children; encouraging children to read to you; starting a home library; showing children that you enjoy reading;…

This set of seven issue briefs considers six important community-based services for children with serious mental or emotional disorders that some states provide as mandated rehabilitation services under the federal Medicaid law. The materials are designed to help state policymakers develop appropriate rules for covering community-based services…

Part of the Child Health and Safety Series, this module for parents and adults who work with children discusses child development in three age group sections: (1) 6 through 8 years; (2) 9 through 11 years; and (3) 12 through 15 years. Information on physical, mental, social, and emotional development, as well as ways to identify and handle…

This manual is intended to provide the necessary information so that children and young people with disabilities can receive the money, health insurance, and other help to which they are entitled. Section 1 describes a model for assisting a family to identify their needs and goals and the types of benefits to which the child may be entitled.…

Focusing on the cooperative role of parents and public libraries in stimulating reading interests in children of all ages, this booklet addresses the following issues: (1) getting children interested in reading (reading aloud to children; encouraging children to read to you; starting a home library; showing children that you enjoy reading;…

Intended for parents, teachers, or anyone whose contact with children requires an effective relationship, this handbook provides a collection of communication strategies and activities to improve positive relationships with children, particularly younger and older adolescents. Part 1 deals with techniques for communicating effectively with…

This booklet contains guidelines to help families coordinate health care of a child with asthma. The first section provides general information covering what asthma is, the signs and symptoms of asthma, effects of asthma, and the use and effects of various medications. A section on health care focuses on the use of the Family Centered Health Care…

Youth in foster care are at particular risk for engaging in early sexual behavior due to frequent moves that have disrupted trusting relationships and schooling, and sometimes because of histories of sexual abuse. This manual was developed by experts in the field of sexuality education for use primarily by foster parents with children in their…