Autism has begun to attract both media and research attention across many developing countries. In Ethiopia, where there is limited attention to diagnostic processes and therapeutic interventions for children, the treatment for autism is widely misunderstood. This study examines the available behavioral and educational interventions currently…

Objective: To compare and contrast 5 sets of expert recommendations about the treatment of childhood and adolescent obesity. Method: We reviewed 5 sets of recent expert recommendations: 2007 health care organizations' four stage model, 2007 Canadian clinical practice guidelines, 2008 Endocrine Society recommendations, 2009 seven step model, and…

Two groups (experimental and control) totaling 239 low-income asthmatic children, aged 8 to 11 years, were studied. One group was exposed to an asthma health education program. Findings indicate asthma health education for children increases management skills, reduces symptoms, and improves school performance. (Author/CH)

Reviews and critiques 11 stepfamily self-help books for children and adolescents. Codes books on dimensions of appropriate audience, author background, issues, advice, and strengths. Rates general interest and quality of writing of books and assigns categories of recommendation. Discusses use of the books as an adjunct to therapy. (Author/NB)

Emphasizing that the family unit is the primary force in coping with asthma, the Lungs Unlimited program provides education and counseling and teaches self-management procedures to children and families. The program is described and its effectiveness is indicated. (RH)

A technology transfer project for getting initial community adoption of childhood asthma management programs is described. The evolution of the project, including development of programs, packaging considerations, establishment of partnerships, implementation, and evaluation are discussed. (Author/CH)

Describes a program for families of handicapped children that features educational programs and parent and sibling support groups. Notes that parents and siblings involved in the mutual-help project have uncovered salient issues and have taken an active role in community education and advocacy. (Author/NB)

A self-instructional training program was evaluated with two boys who were diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity. The training included both conceptual and task-specific verbalizations and targeted completion of classroom work. Mothers were trained as adjunct therapists. Subjects became more self-controlled, less disruptive, and…

Examined relationship between fathers and mothers in a self-help group of bereaved parents, including dynamics of couples already divorced, those who divorce within a few years after their child's death, and those who remain married. Results suggest that marital relationships are not separate from whole set of dynamics associated with the death of…

Describes the Compassionate Friends self-help group as an effective intervention in the severe bereavement after the death of a child. The decision to attend the group, to affiliate, to transform oneself into a helper within the group form the framework of the description. (Author/NRB)

Describes peer support program for women in prison for the death of a child. Explains how group has helped participants reduce their isolation, mourn their loss, identify their responsibility in the death, and change destructive patterns of feelings and behavior. Follow-up of women who have been paroled is discussed which indicated their positive…

Directed self-help, mutual support groups are useful resources for the treatment of various populations victimized by sexual abuse. Several group models are presented. (Author)

Describes two educational programs in West Africa: a (LOGO) computer education program in Senegal, and a "self-improvement" community education program in The Gambia. While these two programs are diverse in geographic location, population, and curriculum materials, both are action-oriented, learner controlled, and consider the learner's…

Discusses problem of low rates of immunization for African American children and identifies ways social workers can play a role in ensuring more immunizations. Improving access to existing public programs, facilitating community organization efforts, assisting communities through self-help and mutual-aid initiatives, and supporting national…

Graeme Hanson and Delmer Pascoe describe the San Francisco Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse Resource Center, a 24-hour crisis intervention program for sexually abused children based in a pediatric setting. Pnina Tobin describes a primary prevention model to empower children to reduce their vulnerability to abuse. (CT)