Early behavioral intervention (BI), based on the methods of applied behavior analysis, has the strongest and most consistent scientific support as a means of teaching skills to young children with autism spectrum disorder and reducing their restricted and maladaptive behavior. Although individual applied behavior analysis (ABA)-based treatment…

The "Ages and Stages Questionnaires," a parent-completed developmental monitoring system, is described, and various strategies for using the system to identify young children with developmental delays are compared. Strategies include mail-out, home visit, on-site (completed by either parent with assistance from service provider),…

Discussion of the case method of instruction (CMI) in early intervention personnel preparation offers information on selecting quality cases, preparing for case discussion, facilitating case discussion, and evaluating learner outcomes. Strategies described were field-tested and validated with 128 early intervention instructors who participated in…

Discusses the critical role of the early interventionist in working with young children with Down syndrome and their families. Reviews physical problems that the children may have, including growth and dental problems, medical disorders, and medical problems that need monitoring. (CR)

Discusses factors associated with the development of secure and insecure mother-infant attachments and reviews results from intervention studies designed to promote secure attachment. Presents recommendations for early interventions to promote secure attachment that can be carried out by practitioners in a variety of settings. (CR)

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.…

This article explores the responsibility of early childhood educators to advocate for young children as both individuals and family members, reviewing legal and administrative guidance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and exploring possible conflicts between family and professional opinions of the child's best interests. The…

This article describes hearing screening procedures and discusses implications and limitations of passing screening tests, being referred for rescreening, and failing the test. Follow-up intervention and evaluation that may be needed for children with hearing loss are discussed, and practical advice for professionals involved with screening and…

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.)…

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 first reviews the literature regarding temperament and outcomes for children with developmental disabilities and explores methods for integrating temperament information into early intervention practice. It proposes that children with developmental disabilities who present extreme scores in specific domains of temperament may benefit…

This article discusses self-determination for young children and provides a framework for looking at self-determination across routines in a variety of early childhood settings. A self-monitoring set of questions is presented to help practitioners and families in examining contextual and multiple factors, specifically: (1) the child's current…

This article describes medical problems that occur more frequently in young children with Down syndrome. These include common cardiac, hearing, and vision problems and less common thyroid and celiac diseases. Guidelines for preventing dental and obesity problems are followed by suggestions to early interventionists for watching for leukemia, neck…

Presented are the rationale and varied possibilities for collaboration between medical personnel and educators. A model for such collaboration is the Child Development Project at Boston City Hospital (Massachusetts), a project which provides intervention services for children, from birth to 5 years, with developmental delays and disturbances.…

Developmental disabilities and chronic illness can impact the oral health of children in the preeruptive and primary dentition stages. The article covers prevention and management of dental caries; gingival changes; trauma to the primary dentition; sucking, swallowing, and mastication; extraorally fed patients; and factitial injuries. Home-care…