HIGH-RISK CHILDREN REFERRED TO AN EARLY-INTERVENTION DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM

Early-intervention programs for infants with developmental disabilitie s or with high-risk factors for such problems were first established i n the United States more than 20 years ago. The benefits of such progr ams are generally recognized. This study describes the presenting prob lems of 698 children referred to an early-intervention program over a 15-year period (1975-1989). Medical condition groups rather than speci fic diagnoses are considered. The developmental progress of 464 childr en who attended the program for-at least 6 months was determined by co mparing their admission and discharge developmental quotients (DQ). Ad mission trends over time are noted and the value of intervention progr ams for young children with disabilities is discussed.