The efficacy of the serotonin uptake inhibitor clomipramine in treatment of self-injurious behavior (SIB) was tested using a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial in eight adults with severe/profound mental retardation. Clomipramine treatment was associated with significant improvement in the frequency of SIB, SIB intensity, and…

This case study applied functional assessment methods to problem behavior of an adult male with severe mental retardation within the natural home setting. The problem behaviors did not occur when the subject was able to participate in a more preferred activity regardless of whether he chose the day activity program or it was chosen for him. (DB)

This retrospective study examined the effectiveness of an inpatient multidisciplinary program for treatment of severe feeding refusal. Nineteen infants and toddlers recovering from medical and surgical disorders which had required non-oral feeding were studied. A modified method of rapid introduction of oral feedings resulted in conversion to…

Reports on the impact of a "drink driving education program" taught to tenth-grade students. The program, which involved twelve lessons, used strategies based on the Ajzen and Madden theory of planned behavior. Students (N=1,774) were trained to use alternatives to drinking and driving and to use safer passenger behaviors, and were…

Offers a six-step procedure for developing and implementing a response cost system for changing problem classroom behaviors of students with learning disabilities. Steps described are establishing classroom rules, rewarding compliance, selecting reinforcers, reducing noncompliance through response cost consequences, following through on…

Presents a bibliography of 59 books, journal articles, and web sites for further reading on preventing and responding to children's challenging behaviors. (SD)

Documents three problems with the behavioral adaption explanation (BAE) that, taken together, suggest that it cannot account for the probing effect, i.e., the finding that sources interrogatively probed appear more honest to message recipients than nonprobed sources. (TB)

Describes the Graduated Reinforcement System, a simplifed token system that involves establishing a partnership with parents and students, identifying target behaviors, planning for record keeping, tallying daily/weekly points, designating the graduated reinforcement criteria, determining reinforcers for the three levels, awarding the reinforcer,…

Outlines a theoretically driven approach to identifying strategic audiences for nonformal environmental education and communication efforts. Offers a rationale for determining message content for site-based interpretive programs. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

This article describes Behavioral Risk Management (BRM), a community-based, wrap-around model, that incorporates both internal and external management strategies to meet the unique needs of adolescent and adult males with developmental disabilities who exhibit inappropriate or offensive sexual behaviors. Key components of BRM are discussed, along…

Explores causes for the disproportionate representation of African American students in mild mental retardation and serious emotional disturbances special education categories. Provides recommendations to promote positive academic and social behavior for African American students that may prevent the students' need for specialized education…

Provides results of a survey given to 150 educators across 5 school Direct Instruction implementations. Proposes that this survey is an initial step in the direction of determining teacher preferences with regard to levels of support and coaching provided in school. Finds teachers identified the team-teach method of coaching as the most effective.…

Nursing students planned and implemented a project to ascertain the HIV risk knowledge of homeless people and increase participation in testing. The intervention included getting acquainted with clients, learning about their knowledge level through conversation, and reinforcing information with environmental cues. (SK)

Parents of 8 children (ages 4-9) with conduct disorders conducted assessments by varying task demands and parental attention within a multielement design. Children's appropriate behavior varied across assessment conditions and occurred at higher rates during some conditions than others. Parents viewed the recommended treatments as effective and…

Describes a study of full-time faculty members of colleges of nursing and medicine at a major midwestern medical center regarding barriers to patient education. The questionnaire suggested structural barriers, program usefulness, and the perception of patients as possible impediments. The report includes the opinions of nurses and physicians and…