INTEGRATION OF THERAPY AND CONSULTATIVE SPECIAL-EDUCATION - A CONTINUUM IN EARLY INTERVENTION

Six dimensions of consultative services are described as varying along a continuum from totally segregated to fully integrated: location, pr esence of other children, adult-child initiations, goal functionality, context of intervention, and consultant's role. Along with the dimens ions, a continuum of consultative models is presented: one-on-one pull -out, small-group pull-out, one-on-one in the classroom, group activit y, Individual within routine, and consultation. Data on the reported u se of integrated versus isolated treatment models are discussed, as we ll as data on practitioners' preferences. Conclusions focus on demysti fying therapy, the movement toward integrated therapy, the importance of viewing models along a continuum, and the challenges involved in ch anging ways of providing therapy.