Effects of treatment programs on the acquisition of basic skills.

The relative effectiveness of alternative programs in producing changes in ambulation and toilet training among retarded individuals admitted to an institution was evaluated. Little change in ambulation over a 3-year-period was found unless special programming such as sensory-motor training was provided. The impact of such institutional programs was also evident for toilet training. However, about 40 percent of the retarded individuals placed in foster care also improved. In all instances, those individuals in standard care showed the least change. It was concluded that simple answers regarding the "best" placement or program are not available.