The exploratory study examined the effectiveness of the Van Dijk method of developing language skills with four deaf-blind infants and their mothers over a two-month period. Findings indicated increased expressive/elocutionary communicative output with concomitant reduction in self-stimulatory, abusive, and tantrum-like behaviors. (DB)

The article considers issues affecting the role of the mental health therapist of children in foster care in relation to the foster family, biological parents, and the caseworker. The broader role of the therapist as an intervener in the foster care and protective service system is also examined. (Author/DB)

Time-out as a method of managing pupil behavior is explained. A definition and historical and philosophical perspectives are offered. The method has been used in Victoria (Australia), the United States, and Great Britain. Also considered are legal responsibilities, a time-out continuum, implementation, positive aspects of time out, and abuse and…

Comparison of special educators' (N=65) and elementary and secondary school teachers' (N=44) ratings of behavior problems (in terms of manageability) revealed no significant differences between the groups. Both groups rated social withdrawal, inattention, and work organization behavioral clusters as most difficult to manage. (Author/CB)

This article reviews trends in mental retardation research and training as it applies to the school psychologist. The evolution of the field is briefly discussed followed by a discussion of selected areas of education and training. Current trends are analyzed, and future developments likely to occur are discussed. (Author/LMO)

Established local norms for the frequency of disruptive and unproductive classroom behaviors using a sample of 81 referred and 81 nonreferred elementary school students in grades kindergarten through five. For assessment purposes, frequency of behaviors (off task, talked out, out of seat, other behavior) was categorized by grade level. (Author/ABL)

Two studies examined the relationship between classroom crowding and the behavior of handicapped students in a total of 74 special classes. Both studies found the frequency of disruptive or aggressive behavior higher under the crowded conditions. (Author/DB)

Methodological flaws have spoiled the literature that attempts to link maltreatment to juvenile delinquency. This article presents improved definitions and measuring procedures for maltreatment and delinquency. The empirical findings show that certain types of child abuse and neglect are related to delinquency but that other types of maltreatment…

The "PEZ" candy dispenser has been used effectively to deliver reinforcers to moderately handicapped preschool students who display desirable behaviors. Contingency management procedures are described for using the candy dispenser to deliver reinforcers and subsequently to fade out the edible reinforcer and have the colorful dispenser itself…

This literature review points out physical discipline problems and their implications to physical education. Topics discussed include: (1) parent, community, and educator attitudes about discipline; (2) special discipline problems in physical education classes; (3) discipline approaches; and (4) special problem behaviors. (CB)

The article discusses areas of behavioral gerontology that would profit from additional research, such as self-management, community caregiver training, and geriatric behavioral pharmacology. Considerations for adapting behavioral procedures for the elderly are discussed, and suggestions for expanding the role of behavior analysis in geriatric…

Two male stroke victims (ages 63 and 67) whose verbal disorders impaired social interactions and suggested the need for nursing home placement were treated by teaching spouses to reinforce positive and ignore undesired verbal responses. Problem behaviors were reduced sufficiently to permit continued home care, and alternative positive behaviors…

Use of primarily reinforcement-based behavioral procedures decreased aggressive pinching in a 10-year-old severely retarded female to near-zero levels. Procedures included differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), DRO plus timeout, DRO plus response prevention, and differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior. Results were…

Surveyed discipline referral forms and records of five residential schools for the deaf. Reading ability followed by hearing loss, age, and sex of the student predicted discipline problems. The "typical problem" student would be a younger male who was a poorer reader and had a less severe hearing loss. (Author/BL)

Four third-grade male students with behavior problems were given tutoring sessions by sixth-grade tutors either contingent on or not contingent on classroom on task behavior. Contingent tutoring always produced improved on-task behavior, while noncontingent tutoring did not, suggesting that tutoring was an effective reinforcer. (Author/DB)