This review of medical concerns in dealing with spina bifida examines neurologic and neurosurgical issues, learning issues, urological dysfunction, orthopedic issues, bowel control, latex allergy, and prenatal diagnosis and prevention. (JDD)

This article draws on empirical data and anecdotal examples to support teaching parents of young children with developmental disabilities naturalistic language intervention strategies. It also identifies the skills that parent educators need to be effective and discusses a model for preparing professionals to teach parents. (Contains references.)…

This article reviews common complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) treatments used to address symptoms of autistic spectrum disorders, including vitamin supplements, medications, antibiotics, antifungals, diet strategies, chelation/mercury detoxification, and nonbiologic treatments. Strategies that professionals may use in assessing the…

A three-dimensional framework for defining different aspects of natural learning environments is used to organize and describe natural communication intervention practices. Seven applicable communication intervention methods and strategies easily implemented in natural environments by speech therapists are described, as are reflective procedures.…

Coaching in early childhood is an interactive process to promote a parent's or other care provider's ability to support a child's participation in everyday experiences and interactions with family members and peers across settings. This article provides guidelines for early childhood professionals serving young children with disabilities and their…

This article examines the clinical aspects of etiology-related behaviors in young children with genetic mental retardation syndromes. Discussion of the concept of behavioral phenotype leads to consideration of how interventionists can best provide more focused and more effective interventions for children with different genetic disorders and…

This review of research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) indicates that standard diagnostic criteria are overly inclusive when applied to young children, with only half of impulsive toddlers fitting the criteria for ADHD at later ages. Accurate diagnosis depends on an evaluation of behaviors, child temperament, parent-child…

Describes a proposed model for considering sensory processing as an important factor in young children's performance. Discusses ways the model can be used to provide a framework for understanding various patterns of behavior; identify disabilities (poor registration, sensitivity to stimuli, sensation seeking, and sensation avoiding); and develop…

This paper reviews research suggesting that parents' adaptation to their children's diagnoses has been found to predict both family well-being and the children's attachment security. A parent group intervention designed to promote adaptation among such parents is then described, including the rationale, goals, and guidelines of the eight-session…

This article discusses: the concept of team interaction as it relates to early intervention with young special needs children, the evolution of the family's role on the team, and principles and practices for team development of the Individualized Family Service Plan. Examples of exemplary family-focused principles and practices are provided. (JDD)

Child care programs serving children with disabilities should balance high quality care for children, affordable fees to parents, and fair wages for staff. A chart detailing child-to-staff ratios in day care centers and number of children allowed in family day care by state is included. (DB)

Major events in the maturation of the central nervous system (CNS) are reviewed relative to milestones for communication, speech, language, and cognition. Early insults to the CNS and their neuropsychological consequences are discussed. The role of patterns of myelination and dendritic branching to evolving stages of language and cognition are…

This article presents principles of behavior therapy that can be used alone to treat minor feeding problems in young children or in conjunction with other modalities to treat serious disorders. The article discusses assessment methods; variables in feeding, including time, space, child, feeder, food, and treatment; methods to increase or decrease…

Possible prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal causes of cerebral palsy are explored and a causal pathway theory is presented that provide a methodology to study the impact of the various causal factors. The role of an interdisciplinary team in assessment and program development is discussed and prevention strategies are presented. (Contains…

A study of 105 parents and 30 state-level administrators from six states investigated the state-level policy- and organization-centered strategies that are compatible with the needs identified by families of young children with disabilities. Results found parents identified access to services and the need for improved coordination as continuing…