Early Intervention: Does Developmental Therapy Make a Difference?

Abstract

The initial goal of this paper is to provide a review of recent articles which have examined the efficacy of early developmental therapy. Emphasis is placed on two relatively new research methodologies—quantitative reviewing or meta-analysis and single-subject research design. The second part of this paper focuses on future directions for efficacy research in physical therapy. These include the need to use criterion-referenced outcome measures as dependent variables as well as functional changes, such as improvements in independent mobility, alternative forms of communication, and self-help skills.