Impairments in social communication are the core diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In the past two decades findings from important clinical research studies have translated into improvements in understanding and practice, for example leading to a reduction in the age at which autism is commonly first recognised and diagnosed…

This article offers a response to "Reply to Li, D'angiulli, and Kendall: The Early Development Index and Children from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds" by Janus, Hertzman, Guhn, Brinkman, and Goldfeld. The authors disagree with Janus et al.'s claim that their paper contained a number of errors and misconceptions. They…

Purpose: To outline an expanded framework for clinical practice in speech-language pathology. This framework broadens the focus on discipline-specific knowledge and infuses mental health constructs within the study of communication sciences and disorders, with the objective of expanding the potential "ports or points of entry" (D. Stern, 1995) for…

Gunther and Diekema (2006) have described a controversial intervention they provided to Ashley, a 6-year-old girl with profound and multiple impairments, which they refer to as "growth-attenuation therapy." This intervention, approved and apparently promoted by the parents, consisted of high doses of estrogen to bring about a permanent attenuation…

This paper explores strategies by which adults can intervene in children's play activities. The five intervention strategies discussed focus on (1) time and space, (2) adult guidance, (3) play materials, (4) boundaries, and (5) roles. The first strategy involves providing time and space in daily schedules and environments for children to play. The…

Benefits of early intervention and the state of the art for services to special-needs infants and young children are described. An expanded federal role is recommended to encourage state programs including a phased-in mandate for service. Specific provisions of a federal mandate are discussed, including extension of P.L. 94-142 to birth.…

The relevance of the new National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities definition of learning disabilities is discussed in relation to the infant population. (Author/CL)

This description of the development of imagination and fantasy in children outlines how children view their fantasies, imaginings, imaginary companions, and lies at different stages of development. Main topics include (1) the purposes of fantasy; (2) fantasy in preschool children; (3) imaginative games and dramas; (4) promotion or inhibition of…

The concept of communicative competence as a language intervention goal with young handicapped children is discussed in terms of trends in four areas: approaches to intervention (i.e. (behaviorism, operant conditioning); the age of intervention; family involvement; and communication versus oral language. Future goals (such as better assessment and…

Within the context of a multilayered prevention system, responsiveness to intervention (RTI) integrates increasingly intensive instruction and, at each layer, employs assessment to identify students who are inadequately responsive and who therefore require intervention at the next, more intensive layer in the system. Over the past decade, RTI has…

The paper reviews three conceptual issues pertinent to understanding of current outcome data on effects of early intervention for disabled children: (1) intervention and assessment assumptions in early intervention research, (2) political and ethical concerns regarding cost-effectiveness of early intervention, and (3) the weight of evidence…

Summarized in this volume are concepts, presented and developed at a roundtable discussion by scientists and child health professionals, focusing on aspects of children's play behavior. Participants sought to answer three questions: (1) What is play behavior and what is known about it? (2) How does play contribute to infant and child development?…

This paper questions the appropriateness of characterizing infants/young children who are handicapped or developmentally delayed as a group in jeopardy for abuse/neglect. It proposes the adoption of a family-focused view, which considers child, family, and environmental variables to determine risk and provide services to abusive and neglectful…

Introduces a study of sexual behavior problems in sexually abused boys and girls, aged 3-7 years. Stresses the importance of considering the issue of the child's own sexual feelings and arousal. Such studies are seen as providing practitioners with pointers to the most at-risk children. Also urges more research concerning interventions for sexual…

Reviews research concerning the origins of violent behavior in the early childhood years. Discusses the importance of early childhood intervention, and offers recommendations for the coordination of intervention efforts by behavior specialists and early childhood educators. (Author/EV)