This review of Prader-Willi Syndrome notes characteristics (mental retardation and excessive overeating). Educational interventions including weight management, cognitive and educational development, behavioral interventions, and transition to adulthood are discussed. (DB)

A review of 14 studies on treatment strategies for sleep problems in individuals with severe mental retardation found the following treatments had been used: sleep scheduling, bedtime routine plus gradual distancing of parents, extinction, bedtime fading with or without response cost, chronotherapy, and melatonin. Results of treatments are…

This study developed an intervention that used social stories in a computer-based format with three elementary-aged boys with autism. Results indicated the multimedia intervention was effective in reducing behavioral and social problems in the boys. (Author/DB)

A study determined self-reported positive and negative physical, academic, and social effects of stimulant medication on 86 secondary students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Students reported the medication helped them pay attention, earn better grades, and improve their behavior but were unsure if it helped them on tests or on…

This project evaluated the effectiveness of the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) home program intervention model for young children with autism, which encourages parents to be active, ongoing co-therapists. The 11 children in the treatment group, compared to the control, improved…

Applies the evaluative methodology of F. Le Poultier to an observational, longitudinal study of children who lived in a residential community because of their multiproblem families. Confirms the correlation of the children's displayed behavior and educational practices, showing that the children's behavior determined the intensity of practices…

A study involving five elementary-age children with moderate disabilities and five typical peers evaluated the use of a structural analysis model as a vehicle for improving social interactions via peer-mediated interventions. Results indicate structural analysis was usable as a prescriptive tool to develop effective peer-mediated interventions.…

Proposes two theory- and empirically-based explanations for the emergent success of multisystemic therapy (MST) in community settings. First, MST may have demonstrated success because it bridges the gap between university-based psychotherapy studies and their community-based counterparts. Second, its favorable outcomes may exemplify the successful…

The human capital model is described as it relates to health promotion and exercise behavior change strategies, and possible limitations are discussed. An alternative called the human development-potential perspective is presented. The alternative model broadly frames health in socioecological terms with economic, moral, and sociocultural…

This study examined factors associated with repeat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing among seronegative subjects (half of whom reported engaging in high-risk behaviors), noting behavior change following counseling and testing. Surveys indicated those with high-risk behaviors were more likely to be retested. There was minimal behavior…

Examines the relation between therapist process variables (adherence and competence) and subsequent symptomatic change in patients. Twenty-nine depressed patients were seen in 16 sessions of weekly supportive expressive (SE) dynamic psychotherapy. Change in depression from intake to session three predicted higher ratings of adherence to expressive…

Extinction effects were evaluated in a multiple baseline across behaviors design with 2 boys (ages 7 and 8) with disabilities after just one of several target problem behaviors was observed during a functional analysis. Other target behaviors emerged as extinction was introduced sequentially across all problem behaviors. (Contains three…

This article reviews the extant literature on the occurrence of sleep disorders in children with developmental disabilities. Various assessment and treatment strategies for sleep difficulties are examined and issues are discussed that may influence treatment development as well as the best practices for addressing sleep difficulties. (Contains…

This article reviews features of behavioral support plans that teams should consider as they develop positive, effective responses to problem behavior, including investing in prevention occurrences of problem behavior and developing instructional objectives, avoiding rewarding problem behaviors, rewarding positive behaviors, and knowing what to do…

This article delineates the reasons why educators find punishment a more acceptable approach for managing students' challenging behaviors than positive reinforcement. The article argues that educators should plan the occurrence of positive reinforcement to increase appropriate behaviors rather than running the risk of it haphazardly promoting…