The use of life space interviews (LSI) as a crisis intervention approach was examined with 28 elementary age behavior disordered students in a residential setting over a nine-month period. LSI effectiveness was not dependent upon the child's verbal skills or maturity. Children tended to seek crisis support rather than resist it. (JW)

A Special Behavior Unit provided short-term residential treatment to persons with mental retardation who displayed severe maladaptive behavior. Program evaluation data indicated decreases in frequency of targeted behaviors during clients' residence. Post-discharge follow-up data indicated that 40 percent showed at least adequate adjustment and…

Describes a counseling intervention in the discipline process patterned after a concept called Personalized Behavior Modification which uses a therapeutic in-school suspension system to teach middle-school students who are maladjusted or show problem behavior the fundamentals of responsible school behavior. Claims that the program is effective and…

Identifies social, academic, and career adjustment problems resulting from college students' apprehension of communication situations. Describes a ten-hour program designed to reduce communication anxiety and presents the results of the program, along with other helpful suggestions. (Author)

Research on the methods of clinical social work suggests that earlier pessimism about the effectiveness of these methods is no longer warranted. A brighter picture is emerging, based on the development of new forms of practice and better designed experiments. (Author)

The role of archival data in planning intervention priorities is examined and efficacy research focusing on the three types of positive behavioral support (PBS) is evaluated: schoolwide (universal), specific setting, and individual student levels. Overall, findings were positive across all types of PBS, validating implementation of these…

Examines the influence of type of behavioral program and program outcome on 230 university students' perceptions of a hypothetical 17-year-old boy with mental retardation who exhibited severe self-injury. A positive program was viewed as more acceptable and effective than were other programs, such as aversive strategies. (Author/CR)

The effects of immediate feedback provided through a wireless headphone FM transmission system were compared to the effects of delayed feedback on inappropriate verbalizations of a 10-year-old with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Results indicate that inappropriate verbalizations decreased during both conditions, although the decrease…

This article discusses the nature of the therapeutic intervention provided by "A Quiet Place" project and outlines its aims, objectives, philosophy, and intervention protocol. A study involving 172 children with emotional and behavioral difficulties in seven schools found the program had a significant effect on their short-term behavior. (Contains…

A study of 4-year-old girl with severe intellectual disabilities, congenital heart defects, and pulmonary disease investigated the effectiveness of restraint and no-restraint methods to prevent pica. Both methods prevented pica, however, the no restraint condition required less therapist effort and had less negative impact on quality of life.…

Evaluates claims of the Early Intervention Project, an intensive behavioral intervention program for young children with autism. Claims include recovery from autism in 47% of cases and substantial improvement in an additional 42%. The article finds methodological problems affecting internal and external validity of the project's reported results.…

A study conducted reinforcer assessments for three boys (ages 7-9) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who alternately received either a placebo or methylphenidate. Methylphenidate altered the relative reinforcing effectiveness of various stimuli that are often used in classroom-based behavioral treatment programs, particularly coupons…

A study evaluated teaching a technique for self-control to three adults with developmental disabilities. Concurrent fixed-duration/progressive-duration reinforcement schedules were introduced in which both smaller and larger reinforcers were available immediately. When progressively increasing delays were introduced for the larger reinforcer,…

Fourteen studies were reviewed to examine the utility, acceptability, and practicality of functional behavioral assessment (FBA) conducted with students with high-incidence behavior problems in school settings. Results indicate FBA was effective, that FBA could be performed in typical school environments, and that FBA produced socially valid…

This article presents an overview of the Regional Intervention Program (RIP) and describes ongoing studies to examine the long-term effects of behavioral skill training for parents of preschoolers who engaged in severe forms of aggression and antisocial behavior. Findings from the program indicate positive outcomes for adults and children.…