In this article we discuss studies of individualized and community-based interventions for control of asthma in children We posit that successful programs share 8 common characteristics: (1) recognition of the multiple factors affecting childhood asthma  (2) careful assessment of participants' risk factors and needs  (3) tailoring of program elements to address participants' risk factors and needs  (4) consideration of both physical and social environments  (5) use of sound learning and change theories  (6) family involvement  (7) focus on children with the most serious disease  and (8) selection of delivery venues at which learning can be optimized