Understanding the criteria and process for determining a student's eligibility for special education services is critical for any educator in an inclusive school environment. Based on the current reauthorization of IDEA 2004, this timely resource offers teachers and administrators an overview of each eligible disability and clear, specific…

A study compared a naturalistic versus an analog teaching model, with speech sounds equated within and across conditions for five children (ages 4-7) with autism. Both methods increased correct production of target sound under some conditions; functional use of the target sounds in conversation occurred only with the naturalistic approach.…

This article presents a developmental perspective on language acquisition that can serve as a framework for understanding and treating the language and communication challenges faced by children with autism. Profiles of five children (ages 3-7) with autism spectrum disorders are discussed to illustrate the application of a Developmental…

A study compared 11 preschool children with developmental delays and 15 with autism to evaluate early vocal behaviors in young children with autism. Results indicated that children with autism did not have difficulty with the expression of well-formed syllables, however they did display significant impairments in vocal quality. (Contains…

A study compared children with autism or Asperger syndrome with speech delays (n=23) with those without speech delays (n=24). No significant differences were found on any of the 71 variables analyzed, including autistic symptoms and expressive language. Results suggest that early speech delay may be irrelevant to later functioning. (Contains…

This article reviews research on the role of symbolic, referent, and instructional variables on the acquisition of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) symbols by individuals with autism and severe speech and language impairments. Two vignettes illustrate findings of the review. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

This annotated bibliography covers materials about children at risk because of disabilities and/or abilities. The bibliography includes approximately 560 entries. The following categories are addressed: autism; gifted; handicapped--general and multiple; hearing impaired/deaf; learning disabilities; mental illness; mentally handicapped/brain…

The shaping of positive attitudes toward the inclusion of children with disabilities is an important aspect of the education of university students preparing to become teachers in regular education. This study examined: (1) components of university student attitudes toward inclusion requests; (2) whether attitudes toward inclusion varied by…

The Postsecondary Program School-to-Work Transition Activity in Carroll County Public Schools (Maryland) has been identified as an exemplary school-to-work program that includes students with disabilities. This program serves 25 students aged 17-21 with disabilities in a noncategorical setting with a large majority of students having significant…

This book shows how different types of special educational needs (SEN) can impact on a child's learning and what practitioners can do to help. The book includes: (1) Photocopiable record sheets; (2) Helpful explanations of responsibilities in relation to the Code of Practice and SENDA; and (3) Short case studies that illustrate how strategies work…

This manual provides basic information for teachers and others who are interested in helping children learn about different disabilities. Each section includes information about a particular disability and answers questions that children might have about the disability. The first section addresses visual impairments and contains information on…

Designed for practicing speech-language pathologists, this book discusses different syndrome disabilities, pertinent speech-language characteristics, and goals and strategies to begin intervention efforts at a preschool level. Chapters address: (1) Angelman syndrome; (2) Asperger syndrome; (3) Down syndrome; (4) fetal alcohol syndrome; (5) fetal…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 has placed a renewed emphasis on the importance of the regular classroom, the regular classroom teacher and the general curriculum as the primary focus of special education. This book contains over 100 topics that deal with real issues and concerns regarding the regular classroom and…

This introductory text on special education combines principles and values with classroom techniques, uses real people in real schools to illustrate principles and techniques, and advocates the inclusion of students with disabilities in all aspects of schooling with the provision of supplementary supports and services. Three introductory chapters…