Behavior Problems in Toddlers With and Without Developmental Delays: Comparison of Treatment Outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of an in-home parent management program for toddlers with behavior problems and developmental delays by comparing outcomes for a group of toddlers with developmental delays (n = 27) and a group of toddlers without developmental delays (n = 27). The majority of children lived in single parent, low-income homes. Results suggest that the parent management program is equally effective for children with and without developmental delays. Parents from both groups reported clinically significant improvement in their children's behavior and parenting practices. Clinical implications regarding the importance of these findings for improving outcomes for toddlers with behavior problems and developmental delays living in poverty were discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• behavior problems
• developmental delay
• low-income families
• toddlers
• treatment outcomes

This research was supported in part by grants from the Assurant Health Foundation, the Charles D. Jacobus Family Foundation, the Exchange Club of Greater Milwaukee Charitable Foundations, and the United Way. The authors acknowledge the support of Penfield Children's Center, the Birth-to-Three Agency that served as the site for this study, and the graduate students who provided mental health services for the toddlers and their families.

Notes

Note

^a n = 27

^b n = 27. Public Assistance = family reported receiving government aid in form of insurance, food stamps, or other support. In order to receive government aid, total family income must fall below the federal poverty level.

Note. n = 27 per group. η² statistic is provided for statistically significant (i.e., p < .05) pre- and posttreatment changes.

Note. The values represent percentages.