Negotiating educational programs for children with developmental disorders: assessment, interpretation, demonstration, support (AIDS)

An approach to negotiating educational programs for children with multiple developmental problems is presented using two case examples from an interdisciplianry setting, the University Affiliated Cincinnati Center for Developmental Disorders. The use of the AIDS (Assessment, Intervention, Demonstration, Support) approach offers the schools evidence that the professional educator and psychologist are working in good faith and will not abandon them prematurely. Proper school placement through mediation also allows the school personnel to receive credit from the family for making the necessary changes, therefore not losing face with the parents. This approach seems particularly applicable to children with multiple and chronic problems who do not fit single special educational/diagnostic categories or labels.