The literature review finds valid the distinction within the diagnostic category of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) of either the presence or absence of hyperactivity. ADD children without hyperactivity exhibit less serious conduct problems, are less impulsive, less rejected by peers, but more socially withdrawn, and more likely to exhibit…

Children (n=110, ages 2-17) placed in foster care as a result of sexual abuse were found to have similar behavioral problems and other attributes as children placed for other reasons. Sexually abused children exited foster care for planned permanent living arrangements at a significantly faster rate than nonsexually abused children. (Author/JDD)

This commentary affirms that the methodology proposed in a paper by Richard A. Winett and others (EC 601 539) may be useful in conducting social validity assessments and applying these assessment data to improve behavioral interventions. The study of accurate and valid assessment of consumer satisfaction is encouraged. (JDD)

This commentary on assessing the social validity of behavior-change programs examines which groups should be included in the assessment, whether social validity assessment should be required, and whether new methods are needed. The paper notes that social validation should be an interactive process between researcher and consumer. (JDD)

This study examined whether a "goodness of fit" theoretical model (applied to 53 families with and 62 families without children with learning disabilities) might help in understanding children's school performance. For both groups, children rated as a "poor fit" in the home demonstrated poorer classroom behavior and poorer achievement over the…

This study compared computer-assisted instruction and personal instruction with 4 children (ages 4-7) with autism. Although three subjects showed better motivation and fewer behavior problems in the computer-assisted condition, this did not affect their learning rate. (Author/DB)

The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was completed by parents of 93 prepubertal children evaluated for sexual abuse and 80 nonabused children. Sexually abused children had significantly more behavior problems, including depression, aggression, sleep and somatic complaints, hyperactivity, and sexual problems. At four-month follow-up, children with…

Psychologists, counselors, social workers, clergy, teachers, and others are often in the position of needing to train parents in parenting skills, particularly in the area of discipline. "The Discipline Package" offers a succinct plan for parents to follow involving three steps. Each step is described, along with options for responding…

Two children with mental retardation were trained to emit different communication responses to request the reinforcer for destructive behavior and an alternative reinforcer. Differential reinforcement of communication reduced destructive behavior regardless of whether a functional reinforcer or an alternative reinforcer was available or whether…

A large-scale analysis was conducted of problem behavior by observing 20 individuals living in residential facilities. Data were converted into scatter plot formats. When the data were transformed into aggregate "control charts," 12 of 15 sets of data revealed 30-minute intervals during which problem behavior was more likely to occur.…

Discusses how teachers can be sensitive to the needs of adopted children with disabilities and avoid overreacting to learning and behavioral difficulties by understanding the family, helping children learn that families are formed in many ways, using positive adoption language, being creative with class assignments, and utilizing resources. (CR)

This guide to Tourette Syndrome addresses prevalence and etiology, associated behaviors (such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), treatment approaches and medication, and classroom management techniques (such as handling tic release/stress and managing hyperactivity/controlling attentional impulses). (DB)

Offers strategies for teaching students in all grades self-regulation skills for the purposes of behavior change. Discusses the importance of facilitating generalization, components of self-regulation, steps of self-regulation, selecting a target behavior, graphing and record keeping, and benefits and potential of teaching self-regulation skills.…

A survey of 390 residential deaf, and hard-of-hearing students, ages 3 to 24 years, in the United Kingdom, found that children without additional disabilities did not show stereotyped behaviors, though about 35% of children with additional disabilities (especially vision, learning, and/or autism) did show such behaviors. (DB)

School officials have a moral and legal duty to preserve all students' safety and well-being while not trampling on the constitutional rights of students involved in disruptive behavior. Administrators must adopt defensible school policies, ensure parent understanding, observe due process, and exercise administrative authority in a reasonable…