Young children with hyperactive and disruptive behavior problems have a variety of risk factors, including environmental, constitutional/maturational, and interactional concerns. Following a description of general principles of intervention, three case studies illustrate use of the "Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental…

Rather than viewing an early intervention team in isolation, a systems perspective considers the interrelationships and interdependence of the various elements comprising service delivery for children with disabilities. This article proposes a model, a multilayered framework, that takes into account the larger system of community and organization…

An analysis of transcripts from focus groups of service providers and parents of children diagnosed with autism found convergence in the areas of collaboration, family support, financial issues, equity, early identification, advocacy, training, and inclusion. Divergent themes included access, home programming, the law, best practice, and…

In response to efforts to establish evidenced-based practice in early intervention programs, this article offers the single-subject design as the best alternative in the absence of sufficient development of standards of care. The article discusses single-subject design models, strengths for clinical use, and benefits for establishing an ordered…

This article presents a focused and detailed method for providing meaningful supervision to program administrators of early intervention programs. The Monthly Report and Quality Program Indicators provide anecdotal and statistical information about employee concerns, facility management, curriculum implementation, inservice development, community…

This article discusses issues in developing effective professional development programs for pediatric occupational therapists who work with very young children and their families, focusing on: clinical and contextual trends affecting practice, professional preparation at the university level, continuing competency, and recommendations for ensuring…

Use of neurodevelopmental treatment, also known as the Bobath method, is discussed, including its history, philosophy, goals, and treatment emphasis with infants and children with movement disorders. Examples of children before and after therapeutic intervention illustrate use of the technique, and controversies in measuring therapy efficacy are…

Children with cerebral palsy sometimes display nutritional inadequacy, as evaluated through anthropometric measurements and laboratory values. Causes of poor nutritional status include inadequate calories offered or adequate calories offered but not consumed. Inadequate caloric retention may be due to vomiting, rumination, or gastroesophageal…

Bladder and bowel dysfunction is a common problem for children with myelomeningocele and related spinal-cord defects. The chronic medical and social effects of this problem necessitate a multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach. Reviewed are bladder and bowel anatomy and physiology, developmental concerns, treatment techniques, and psychosocial…

An overview is presented of common causes of vision loss in young children and the impact of a visual impairment on development and learning. The article also discusses the role of the family and team members in meeting the intervention needs as well as issues affecting delivery of early intervention services. (Author/DB)

This article presents a triadic interaction model that builds on and expands the strengths of the parent-infant dyad by providing contextual and interpersonal support for their interactions. The model gives explicit attention to the interactions among the three members of the early intervention triad: child, parent, and interventionist.…

Provides a case analysis of a child with a medically complex profile in which early-intervention staff and special-education staff worked to determine family priorities and utilized the local hospice agency to devise creative programming that meets the needs of the family and child. (Author/CR)

Provides an overview of technology solutions for young children who have developmental concerns. Discusses the rationale for developmentally appropriate assistive technology and the use of high-tech computer-based solutions. Issues related to selecting appropriate hardware and software applications and a review of play-based software options are…

Describes the theoretical orientations that frame current understanding about the development of self and the social processes that may shape it. Components of the self are discussed, and current thinking about their development in infancy and toddlerhood is described. The role of temperament is also addressed. (Author/CR)

A review of the development of self and empathy in infancy in general is followed by discussion of atypical development, noting that autistic children have a general deficit in development of empathic capacity and physical and representational sense of self. Specific interventions to enhance the development of both sense of self and empathic…