This article corroborates the consistent findings of previous meta-analytic and longitudinal studies and further identifies areas, particularly around measurement, for future research. Furthermore, prospective longitudinal evaluations of the relations between language deficits and behavior problems with different types of measures (teacher-/parent-report, direct assessment, classroom observation) is warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record

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Having a child with special needs has a significant impact on family life. While adapting to this new situation, parents often face difficulties related to the care of their children, family relations, and financial situation. The present study examined differences between family burden and spousal support perceived by mothers and fathers of children with special needs and investigated predictors of perceived family burden and spousal support. A total of 394 parents of children with disabilities (197 couples) from a large urban city in Northern Turkey participated in this survey study. Results showed the perceived family burden and spousal support differed significantly between couples. Mothers of children with special needs had significantly higher perceived family burden and significantly lower perceived spousal support in comparison to fathers. Moreover, perceived spousal support significantly predicted family burden perceived by mothers and fathers. Implications in relation to services offered to families of children with disabilities along with the recommendations for future research in this area are discussed.

Many autism-focused early intervention (EI) models have not yet been adopted by community-based providers in rural settings due to fit and feasibility when working within the Part C model. Family Implemented TEACCH for Toddlers (FITT, based on the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program) is a research-based, Part-C compatible, EI model incorporating parent-coaching and naturalistic strategies with early evidence of efficacy in rural communities. Its use by rural community providers has not yet been examined. Thus, in this multiple baseline study, rural EI professionals ( n = 3) working with caregivers and their toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were provided training and weekly coaching on the use of the FITT model and parent-coaching strategies. The implementation of FITT and parent-coaching strategies were measured, and social validity information was gathered from participants. Results indicate that FITT is both feasible to implement, as demonstrated by provider implementation, and acceptable to both EI providers and caregivers.