Examined the relationships between family members' internal images of their hospitalized adolescents and those adolescents' actual pathological behaviors during the months prior to hospitalization. Assessed images held by parents of the adolescents and the adolescents' self-images along six dimensions of individual and interpersonal functioning.…

This paper summarizes brief functional assessments of 79 cases of people with developmental disabilities and self-injurious, aggressive, stereotypic, or other aberrant behavior. Outcomes were evaluated across three variables: (1) referring topography, (2) control over behavior, and (3) the identified maintaining conditions for aberrant behavior.…

Three elementary students with behavioral disorders were trained to use a cognitive "cover, copy, and compare" strategy to learn division facts. Two students increased their rate of correct responding to mastery level, the third student required additional feedback and goal setting, and all three students maintained increased rates of…

Investigated factors considered by 118 school psychologists, 119 principals, and 108 special education teachers in making distinction between students with serious emotional disturbance and those with social maladjustment. Found moderate disagreement between groups on behavioral or background descriptors differentiating emotionally disturbed and…

Describes a treatment program which combines cognitive, behavioral, and expressive therapies targeted at reducing dysfunctional patterns of cognition, affect, and behavior of aggressive youths. Also presents interventions for unwilling and resistant clients. (HTH)

Describes the Supervised Independent Living Orientation Program (Michigan), which provides a transition into relatively unstructured independent living to adolescents and youths with a history of behavioral and emotional disturbances, including delinquency and psychiatric hospitalization. Discusses contracts used in the program. (BB)

This study with 65 individuals with mental retardation and additional seizure and/or psychiatric or behavioral disorders found that 9.2 percent experienced medication (carbamazepine) side effects, ranging from irritability to mania. More side effects were experienced by individuals with behavioral or psychiatric disorders than by those with an…

A survey of Wisconsin teachers of 230 students with emotional/behavioral disorders found that classroom observations, student interviews, and behavior rating scales were most helpful in instructional planning. Teachers generally found student evaluation data helpful in planning Individualized Education Programs. Teachers chose evaluation…

This study compared teacher and parent ratings on the Homework Problem Checklist for 111 children (either learning disabled, behavior disordered, or typical; ages 7 to 17). The study found that both groups with disabilities experienced more problems than the typical children, and the group with behavioral disorders had the most pronounced…

Describes the characteristics of Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs), indicating that they are an increasing part of the college campus population. Discusses nine steps that instructors may take to assist the academic success of ACOAs. Indicates that college staff must recognize the syndrome and provide a therapeutic environment for students. (14…

This paper describes experiences of a psychiatrist working with adults who have intellectual disability along with challenging behaviors and/or psychiatric illness, focusing on harm minimization, relationships with staff, and collection of behavioral data. Three case histories illustrate differences between institutional and office practice and…

This article addresses the advantages, disadvantages, and possible solutions to increased administrative problems posed by five proposed new categories of behavioral disorders: (1) attention deficit disorder, (2) traumatic brain injury, (3) fetal alcohol syndrome, (4) prenatal substance abuse, and (5) fragile X syndrome. (DB)

Social structures of home, school, and community environments that impact the types of peer relationships formed, types of activities friends engage in, and depth of interactions of children and adolescents with behavior disorders are discussed. (DB)

Using excerpts from structured interviews conducted by teachers, this paper discusses three thought and behavior patterns commonly used by students with behavior disorders to justify behavior teachers consider inappropriate: (1) denial, (2) projection, and (3) rationalization. Suggestions are made about how to respond to these defensive behavior…

High school students (n=554) were surveyed about their experiences of school violence and feelings of safety. Students with behavioral disorders or learning difficulties attending an opportunity class or a special day class experienced higher rates of bullying than other students. Feelings of safety were related to experiences of violence and…