A treatment regimen demands extensive diagnostic work-ups. In most situations where a specific diagnostic finding does not occur, the appropriate treatment will be multitreatment. Drug treatment will continue to predominate, with research emphasis directed toward attempts to predict which children will respond positively to methylphenidate.…

This article reviews 251 studies evaluating the behavioral treatment of autism from 1980 to 1995. Each study is analyzed for the target behaviors and behavioral techniques that were implemented. Target behaviors included aberrant behaviors, social skills, language, daily living skills, and academic skills. Behavioral techniques are identified as…

Presents a synthesis of the literature findings on the dual diagnosis of mental retardation and behavior disorders. Topics covered include: (1) behavior management techniques; (2) drug treatment; (3) family perspectives; (4) education; (5) behavioral treatment; and (6) behavior disorders and mental retardation as mild disabilities. (Author/CR)

This article begins by discussing requirements for functional behavioral assessment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and then describes a comprehensive model for the application of behavior analysis in the schools. The model includes descriptive assessment, functional analysis, and intervention and involves the participation…

This article presents criteria researchers should consider when seeking to establish a socially valid understanding of problem behavior. Criteria include determining if behavior change is demonstrated in typical settings and whether the intervention promotes movement in the least restrictive environment, is conducted by families and/or school and…

In this introductory article, the main features of positive behavior support are described, including a prevention-focused continuum of support, proactive instructional approaches to teaching and improving social behaviors, conceptually sound and empirically validated practices, systems change to support effective practices, and data-based…

Evaluates the preventive effect of an after-school culturally-based arts program with low-income urban children. The specific objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in adaptive functioning and in problem behaviors for program participants. Main findings indicated that the participating children experienced an increase in self-esteem,…

This article describes how effective systems of positive behavioral support can be used in alternative educational settings as a means of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention for at-risk and adjudicated youth. Special concerns and specific strategies for this population are discussed across the range of placement alternatives. (Contains…

Addresses nutritional problems associated with developmental problems in infancy and childhood. Nutritional problems are often linked to environmental disadvantage; the possibility exists for long-term developmental effects. Treatment for undernutrition does not appear to reverse all negative effects. Prevention of nutritional disorders is better…

Reports on the misconceptions held about behavior analysis among students in two advanced undergraduate courses in behavior modification. Finds that only 3 of 13 common misconceptions were held widely. Reveals that these three misconceptions were resistant to change. (CFR)

Presents model that can be employed in working with Vietnam veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Incorporates cognitive, behavioral, and interactional components and focuses on helping veterans to identify schemas that are related to five areas of psychological and interpersonal functioning: safety, trust, power, esteem, and…

Research reveals striking differences in college classroom participation patterns across gender, race, and ethnicity. Trained faculty can change these patterns. An American University experimental equity training program illustrated that trained faculty (n=23) were 38 percent more interactive than the control group, giving more precise feedback to…

Reports of 36 studies using the constant time delay procedure with discrete behaviors of special needs students were analyzed. Results are described in terms of demographic variables (e.g., type of subjects, settings, behaviors, instructors, and instructional arrangements), the procedural parameters of the strategy, strategy effectiveness, and…

This article examines recent rulings in litigation pertaining to the education of children with autism, including cases addressing the following issues: appropriate educational placement, extended school year services, the use of aversive contingencies to control behavior, and the use of facilitated communication and other forms of augmented…

This review of the literature evaluates the efficacy of pharmcological, parent training, and behavioral interventions with preschool-age children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It finds pharmacological intervention to be generally effective, parent training methods effective in the home setting (but generalization studies are…