The study compared the regular classroom behavior and teacher ratings of 17 learning-disabled (LD), 16 low average (LA), and 17 average (AV) children in grades 1-2 in 11 schools before and after LD placement in resource programs. Among findings were no preplacement behavior differences and more LD maladaptive behavior patterns at postplacement.…

This article reviews research describing the use of interspersed requests to prevent or reduce problem behavior (e.g., self abuse and aggression) in students with disabilities. The strategy requires presenting two to five short, easy instructional tasks immediately before presenting a difficult task or one likely to result in undesirable…

Staff ownership can be achieved only in a climate where synergism is understood and promoted. The principal must truly believe that the cooperative action of staff members working together is greater than the sum of their efforts taken independently and in isolation. Intimidating principal-teacher relationships must be eliminated. (eight…

Discusses discrepancies between attitudes and behaviors of day-care staff confronted with change, especially pertaining to multicultural issues. Outlines four basic reactions (positive attitude and positive overt behavior, negative attitude and positive overt behavior, negative attitude and negative overt behavior, and positive attitude and…

Explains a conceptual model for a comprehensive, multilevel, school-wide discipline program and describes its implementation in one elementary school. Key elements of the program include teaching social norms, a seven-step school-wide classroom management strategy, and targeted, intensive, and comprehensive interventions. (DB)

This article reviews what teachers can do to prevent aggressive behavior in students with emotional and behavioral disorders. It considers the dynamics of aggression, the role of the therapeutic teacher, creation of the positive classroom climate, functional assessment, and teaching alternative behaviors. (DB)

Describes a five-week group counseling program designed to help students adopt behaviors that can lead to greater academic success. Phases of the program are (1) institution and professor bashing; (2) member confrontation and accepting responsibility; (3) implementation of success strategies; (4) future pacing. Discusses results and implications.…

Nineteen individuals with autism either listened to auditory integration training processed music or unprocessed music for 20 half-hour sessions. A significant decrease in Aberrant Behavior Checklist Scores was observed in the experimental group at the 30-month follow-up assessment. In addition, three experimental subjects but no controls showed a…

Offers suggestions for home-school collaboration for elementary-grade students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in the areas of assessment and behavior plans, monitoring medication, and coordinating homework. Sample forms and schedules as well as a list of resources are included. (DB)

Retrospective chart reviews of seven adolescents and young adults (ages 9-20) with autistic disorder treated with fluoxetine alone or in combination with other medications were performed. Side effects included initial appetite suppression, vivid dreams, and hyperactivity. Improvement was seen in irritability, lethargy, sterotypy, and inappropriate…

A study investigated whether computer touch-screen technology could improve the attentional skills of three adolescents with severe mental retardation. Initially, prior reinforcement contingencies of individual stimuli failed to control their attention. Extended exposure to single stimulus training and conflict compounds, however, alleviated…

Reviewed 22 studies that examined the impact of interventions delivered in clinical settings (physician's offices, clinics, or hospitals) on child safety practices and unintentional injuries. Counseling and other interventions in clinical settings effectively increased the adoption of some safety practices, but not others. Clinical interventions…

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.…

Individualized assessments of the effects of three dosages of methylphenidate were conducted for two students (ages 10-11) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder within each child's classroom using behavioral, academic, and social measures. At least one or more dosages were associated with improvement for both children in each area.…

Observed face-to-face interactions between 39 mothers and their first and second-born two-month olds to evaluate within-family differences in maternal affective behavior toward siblings. Found that mothers were more positive with second-borns than firstborns, and second-borns were more positive than firstborns. Siblings' affective behaviors were…