The empirical support for three theoretical approaches to infant intervention is reviewed, including direct intervention via nonsocial means, direct intervention via social means, and indirect infant intervention via social support to the family. For each approach, underlying theoretical assumptions are identified, and for each assumption,…

This article defines tactile defensiveness as a sensory processing problem that results in aversive responses to touch. The article outlines causes, presents sample behaviors to assist in recognizing the possible presence of this dysfunction in infants and toddlers, and offers suggestions to assist in coping with and seeking appropriate treatment…

Based on a review of 30 years of academic research on infant and toddler development, this report describes patterns of child development from birth to 3 years of age and examines the implications for Scottish out-of-home care. Developmental patterns are described for the following age groups: birth to 3 months, 3 to 12 months, 1 to 2 years, and 2…

This article describes available models for structuring language intervention with toddlers who demonstrate a primary deficit in language acquisition. It examines ways in which intervention can change behaviors through facilitation, induction, and maintenance; how to select a service delivery system; effective teaching strategies; and clinical…

The report analyzes roles of mental health professionals in implementing Public Law 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986, which established the Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP). A December, 1987, conference of administrators, clinicians, policymakers, and parent representatives from federal, state, and…

This article discusses the assessment and evaluation of infants and toddlers with disabilities or at risk for developing disabilities, recent contributions to knowledge of assessment of infants and toddlers, current practices, and future trends. The paper cautions against using one test for all purposes or using a test with an insufficient…

A portrait is presented of the toddler with slow expressive language development (SELD), based on research examining the health history; cognitive, communicative, and adaptive skills; behavior; and phonology of 30 toddlers with SELD and 30 nondisabled toddlers. The paper offers a review of research on the outcomes of SELD, and explores…

This paper presents the requirements for family participation on multidisciplinary teams under Public Law 99-457, reviews literature on family participation on teams working with handicapped children, identifies factors that influence team functioning, and suggests how team members can facilitate family involvement. (Author/JDD)

This guide is one part of a set of materials designed to support an ecological intervention system for families and their special needs children between birth and three. The system is constructed on four premises: (1) intervention is guided by the family; (2) parent-child interactions are the heart of early intervention; (3) family rituals, daily…

Crying is more common in children with handicaps than in their nonhandicapped age-peers. This paper reviews literature on the prolonged, frequent, or intense crying of handicapped babies; describes environmental considerations; outlines techniques for providing comfort; indicates observational and data-collection strategies; and suggests coping…

This article reviews data on problems in communicative development of maltreated children and discusses their implications for practitioners concerned with communicative development. The influence of social class and cultural factors is examined, and the impact of child maltreatment on communicative development from infancy up to school age is…

This paper presents a review of the literature on toy play in infancy and early childhood, with an emphasis on both normal development and special considerations for young children with disabilities. Specifically, it describes children's encounters with toys within a developmental framework, identifies characteristics of the child and aspects of…

Increasingly, very young children with disabilities are using microcomputers, powered mobility, myoelectric prostheses, and augmentative communication devices. This article examines research, clinical experience, and issues in the field of advanced technology applied to disabled children, aged birth to three, and suggests future applications of…

The book provides a side-by-side analysis and annotation of Public Law 99-457 (Education of the Handicapped Amendments of 1986). The sourcebook organizes critical portions of the following five documents: the legislative history from House Report 99-860; the Part H legislation from P.L. 99-457; the final regulations for Part H with current…

In this paper, an overview of children's psychological processes is presented within the context of adoption, foster care, or other type of placement which requires the child to develop the coping skills necessary to continue toward optimal growth psychologically, cognitively, and socially. Findings from a research review indicate that children…