The Separation-Individuation Process and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Stages of early childhood development are outlined. The premise suggests that much of the behavioral disturbance and immaturity displayed by handicapped children is a function of their inability to move successfully through these stages as a result of their handicap rather than as a result of parental mismanagement. In addition, early intervention programs that ignore these early stages may actually interfere with rather than enhance development. Implications for habilitation programs are also made, although many program modifications can only follow from a thorough understanding of the meaning of infant behavior in terms of attachment and of the separation and individuation process.