Training pediatric residents in early intervention with handicapped children

Pediatric residents gained experience in the management of disabled children in a four-session training component that linked the residency program and a school- and home-based early intervention program. Each resident worked with a disabled child's parents, a special education teacher, therapists, and others. The training emphasized working with parents and special education professionals to solve problems in the management of handicapped children and working with appropriate community agencies. The residents completed a questionnaire before and after the training that measured their perceptions of their knowledge and skill in several areas. At the completion of the rotation, they also rated their satisfaction with the training program. The results of these evaluations suggest that such a program is an effective method for introducing pediatric residents to issues concerning interventions with handicapped infants.