Select research and practice issues that merit further attention are described. Specifically, we argue that the pathways for profitable research include studies of normative development, assessment and diagnostic considerations, the role of parents, and the ways to optimize the conduct and evaluation of treatment. At present, the field is too…

A single-subject multiple treatment design counterbalanced across nine participants with moderate to severe and multiple disabilities was used to determine the efficacy of a school-based multi-treatment package (a combined dysphagia treatment and positive reinforcement behavior management program) for children and youth (ages 4-17) with feeding…

Research by Nathan Fox and other scientists shows how changes in environmental conditions can help temper the negative effects of a child's predisposition toward fearfulness and anxiety. If certain negative triggers are eliminated or modified, a child's genetic tendency toward inappropriate fearfulness and anxiety may be overcome--or not expressed…

A current manual for treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children and youth using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is presented. The three chapters of the Introduction present a review of medical diagnosis and assessment of pediatric OCD, psychological assessment techniques, and an overview of treatment. Theoretical background…

Based upon evidence that peer rejection is a marker variable asociated with maladaptive social-emotional development and the risk of later maladjustment, psychologists have focused both on understanding the factors contributing to peer rejection and on preventive interventions designed to remediate social adjustment problems evident in grade…

Little research has examined the practical techniques employed by psychologists working with children. To examine current practices in child psychotherapy, licensed psychologists in the state of Texas completed questionnaires about mental health intervention efforts with prepubertal children. Almost half of the 724 respondents indicated that they…

This newsletter, focusing on literature and research on cognitive behavior modification (CBM), reviews articles and research on CBM with children. Works on retarded children, deaf children and children with learning disabilities are presented, with critical analyses. A parallel section on CBM with adults follows. Problem areas of phobias, anxiety,…

The effects of imipramine were assessed in 10 profoundly retarded subjects (aged 8-25 years) who exhibited either depressionlike symptoms or acting out behaviors. Results of observation, interval sampling, and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist indicated behavioral deterioration on irritability, lethargy/social withdrawal, and hyperactivity…

Discusses a study of children aged eight to nine years who were presenting aggressive behavior, with the aim of facilitating intervention at an early stage. Results of questionnaires given to teachers, the children themselves, their peer group, and parents are examined. Difficulties that arose in undertaking this study are explored. (Author/CT)

Recent research points to two types of strategies for preventing substance abuse and behavioral health problems among children and adolescents. The first approach emphasizes tobacco, alcohol, and drug resistance skills; problem-solving/decision-making training; stress management; and modification of attitudes and norms that encourage substance use…

"Empirically Based Play Interventions for Children" is a compilation of innovative, well-designed play interventions, presented for the first time in one text. Play therapy is the oldest and most popular form of child therapy in clinical practice and is widely considered by practitioners to be uniquely responsive to children's developmental needs.…

Presents various concepts and principles presently being used to develop social skills training methods for children from a cognitive-social learning perspective. Identifies skill deficits that may lead to later social difficulties and suggests methods to remediate each type of deficit. (AOS)

Reviews selected literature on childhood hyperactivity and suggestions for management of this behavior syndrome. Argues that little consideration has been given to the consequences for parents and siblings of having a hyperactive child present in the family setting. Little attention has been focused on the implementation of management techniques.…

Summarizes a framework for conceptualizing and implementing a model to improve student behavior through individualized, assessment-based modifications of curricular activities. Includes a summary of research documenting the influence of curricular variables and presents a practical model of functional assessment and curricular revision. Concludes…