Rehabilitation professionals working with students with disabilities and the families of those students face unique challenges in providing inclusive services to special education student populations. There needs to be a focus on adaptive teaching methods that provide quality experience for students with varying disabilities to promote student…

In recent years, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become a common pediatric diagnosis. The number of affected children increases with age, most particularly during the years of schooling and academic life, and can cause significant impairment. The nature of this disorder, the challenges of properly diagnosing it, and the…

This article reviews the literature regarding the diagnostic criteria, causes, assessment, and treatment of selective mutism in school-age children. The most successful treatments have included various forms or combinations of behavior modification, though these may not address the underlying problem. (Author/DB)

This brief paper summarizes information on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). First it identifies eight common characteristics of this disorder: (1) inattentiveness and distractibility, (2) impulsiveness, (3) hyperactivity, (4) attention-demanding behavior, (5) learning difficulties, (6) coordination difficulties, (7) unacceptable…

This study examined the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among school children in Arkansas for the purpose of helping school districts plan appropriate educational interventions. The ADHD Survey was mailed to all 311 school superintendents; 128 surveys were returned. Findings revealed that, overall, 3 percent of…

This digest defines attention deficit disorders (ADD), provides the attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsivity criteria for diagnosing ADD, and identifies successful strategies for teachers working with children with ADD. Strategies are provided for: (1) establishing the proper learning environment, including seating students with ADD near the…

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)

Issues in effective diagnosis of such dishonest behavior as cheating, lying, and nonconfrontative stealing are discussed. Published intervention approaches for dishonest behavior are reviewed, including negative sanctions, direct appeals to morality, public affirmation, covert sensitization, timeout, reinforcement contingency procedures, and…

Describes the major phenomena that characterize obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) in children and adolescents. Provides examples of behavioral manifestations of these disorders in the school setting. Discusses the school psychologist's role, with particular emphasis placed on a behavioral consultative approach for assessing and treating…

The literature review addresses the assessment, placement, treatment, and employment rights of the handicapped in relation to their implications for teachers, administrators, and university personnel. Assessment is considered in terms of eligibility criteria/definitions of handicapping conditions, responsibility for assessment, fair and…

The object of this module is to increase teachers' understanding of the function of role model play in their students' development and to aid teachers in identifying the types of role models that can open options for students. A four-step process is presented for teachers to use in facilitating their students' identification with nontraditional…

Discusses the discrepancies among physicians, psychologists, and schools regarding the diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit disorders. Stresses the need for all evaluations to include cross-disciplinary cooperation, and for the acceptance of standardized measures as part of the identification and treatment process. (CR)

The Mainstream Assistance Team (MAT) project is a 3-year research program designed to develop, implement, and validate a prereferral intervention model. The model is a least-restrictive, preventative, ecologically-based, problem-solving approach, using a multidisciplinary team composed of a school psychologist, special educator, and general…

This resource guide provides information on teaching students with learning and behavioral difficulties. The introduction features information on identifying students with learning and behavioral differences, in-class intervention, referrals, and communication with parents. This part is followed by three sections on strategy development: (1)…

This booklet provides an overview of autism and discusses strategies for living and working with children with autism. The first section of the guide, "Understanding the Problem," addresses the characteristics of autism, including social symptoms, language difficulties, repetitive behaviors and obsessions, sensory symptoms, and unusual…