This study indicates the presence of high levels of SLCN among individuals in residential care, much of it severe and pervasive in nature, and in large part unsuspected. The CCC-2 has the potential for use as a screening tool for this population. There is a compelling case for speech and language therapy services to address issues of awareness and access with regard to this population. This preliminary research supports the need for further investigation on a larger and wider scale.

This article evaluates the effectiveness of a developmentally based early intervention programme. Two groups of children were compared, a treatment group and a no-treatment control group. Standardized assessments were administered before and after the intervention period by an independent clinician. Pre-treatment comparisons revealed that the control group had a significantly higher pre-treatment IQ; but the two groups were comparable for age, mental age, socioeconomic status and number of hours of non-experimental therapy. Results demonstrated that children in the treatment group improved significantly more than those in the control group on measures of joint attention, social interaction, imitation, daily living skills, motor skills and an adaptive behaviour composite. A measure of requesting behaviour fell short of statistical significance. The total stress index reduced for treatment group parents and increased for the control group parents (but not significantly). The results of the study are considered to support the efficacy of this treatment approach.

The adaptation and application of a systems analysis model devised for educational evaluation is discussed in the context of educational evaluation of a small specialist centre and the benefits of the adaptation explained. The ways in which the adapted model was used to gain a realistic picture of the centre are outlined and the potential usefulness of the framework discussed.

As part of a larger research program examining the impacts of nature-based experiences on veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, this study focused on changes in their depression and meaning in life after participating in a four-day river rafting experience. Results showed that there were statistically significant improvements over time for both depression scores and meaning in life scores. Results also indicated a weak statistically significant, negative association between depression and presence of meaning in life. The study’s results are useful for practitioners who may be considering nature-based programs for their clients, as well as researchers seeking to better understand the psychological health benefits of river rafting.

Early intervention is an area of intense current interest for parents and professionals. This article describes a mainstream National Health Service (NHS) approach to early intervention, developed at the Scottish Centre for Autism. The aims of treatment are to improve the child's early social communication and social interaction skills, leading to the potential development of play and flexibility of behaviour. This is achieved by 1:1 intensive treatment by trained therapists, and a schedule of parent training. The treatment protocol incorporates a child led approach; the use of imitation as a therapeutic strategy; using language contingent on activities; and the introduction of flexibility into play and social exchanges.