Prevention of developmental disabilities: a model for organizing clinical activities.

Timberlake et al. (1987) drew a five-part map for preventing developmental disabilities. The map shows how doctors, teachers, and behavior analysts can share the same road instead of driving alone.

The paper is a think-piece, not an experiment. It tells clinics how to line up staff, money, and data so kids get help before problems grow.

The team did not test kids or count behaviors. They built a blueprint: pick a leader, train staff, track data, teach families, and keep all teams talking.

Clinics that follow the blueprint should catch delays earlier and cut later costs, but the paper gives no numbers.

Townsend et al. (2024) later showed the blueprint can work. Across six ABA agencies and ten years, the same five ideas—clear roles, staff training, data loops—kept quality high and parents happy.

Provenzi et al. (2021) moved the map into the home. Their ABCD parent framework keeps the 1987 spirit but puts families, not clinics, in the driver’s seat.

Bao et al. (2017) widened the road again. They took the 1987 clinic model and stretched it to whole-state policy, adding outcome dashboards for every agency.

You can lift the 1987 five parts today: name a team leader, write a staff-training calendar, pick one data sheet, add parent classes, and set a monthly meeting. Start small—one room, one kid—and let the system grow. The later papers prove the frame still stands, whether you run a clinic, a school, or a home program.