The best way to manage discipline problems in preschoolers with autism is to prevent the problems from occurring in the first place. The article examines the diagnosis, incidence, and prevalence of autism, discusses how to facilitate desired behavior, and offers a case study of a preschool student with autism. (SM)

Study identified African-American low-income adolescents who thought they had bulimia or anorexia nervosa, identified common behaviors, and compared actual and perceived body weight and dieting methods. About 12 percent suspected an eating disorder and perceived themselves as heavier more often than their peers. Fasting was the most common dieting…

An overview is provided of parent training approaches for treating Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The empirical and theoretical roots of these therapies are discussed, with a brief review of parent training program developed by (1) R. B. Barkley (1987); (2) G. R. Patterson (1972); and (3) R. Forehand (1981). (SLD)

This response to Maag and Howell (EC 602 677) suggests that their perspective is oversimplistic and naive about (1) organizational structures and processes relating to inclusion of students with social maladjustment in special education, and (2) the problem of change in school organization. (DB)

This study, involving five elementary students with severe emotional and behavioral problems, demonstrated the effectiveness of an intervention package comprising (1) observation of videotapes following peer activity sessions; (2) self-evaluation of peer interactions observed on videotapes; and (3) delayed feedback and reinforcement for desirable…

In this case study, interactions were examined between features of Rett syndrome and operant conditioning as determinants of self-injurious behavior (SIB). Analysis suggested different functions for two forms of SIB: automatic reinforcement by sensory stimulation and escape from social interactions. Features of Rett syndrome tended to maximize the…

Describes the classroom life of Will, a kindergartner with fetal alcohol syndrome. The teacher met with the parents, the principal, and a support committee to determine how to handle Will's erratic behavior. A classroom aide provided Will with one-on-one assistance and helped him acquire appropriate social skills. (SM)

This response to a critique (EC 605 541) of the authors' case study, supporting the effectiveness of positive-oriented programing approaches with persons with mental retardation, offers follow-up information on the individual involved, including his complete medication history, and defends the view that the self-determination supported by their…

This article discusses the prevalence of youth with behavioral disorders in correctional settings and reviews issues related to schooling, programing, teacher training, and teacher supply and demand. It notes that increasingly violent, antisocial, and culturally diverse incarcerated youth are expected, requiring special teachers who are both well…

This study, which applied an instructional model based on Piaget's theory of cognitive development, pragmatics theory of language development, and Mahler's theory of development of interpersonal relationships, found that 49 preschool children with autism did not make less progress than a comparison group of 27 children with other…

The Regional Intervention Program supports 21 programs in 13 communities and is a community-based family-centered program in which parents of young children with behavioral disorders and/or developmental delays serve as primary therapists for their children, as principal trainers of other parents, and as daily operators of the service delivery…

Research indicates an increased prevalence of suicide in young children. Suicidal children have unique characteristics related to developmental stages. The problem persists as children grow and may have serious social consequences. Children can be protected against suicidal behavior by adequate social support. The article includes guidelines for…

Design, nationwide standardization, and validation of the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents are presented, using a norm sample of 1,400 5- through 17-year-olds, with an additional 1,418 in supplementary samples. Eight reliable and distinct syndromes are recognized, six of which are generalizable across age, gender, and ethnicity. (SLD)

Many students with behavior disorders have difficulty functioning in regular classrooms and pose persistent problems for classroom teachers. Classroom teachers are often reluctant or unable to deal with disruptive behavior. Research highlights the importance of considering classroom variables such as teacher attitudes and classroom environment in…

This article considers legal aspects of conflicts between schools wishing to exclude a child perceived as dangerous and parents, in the context of the procedural safeguards and "stay put" provision of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as interpreted in the Honig versus Doe court case. Methods of obtaining preliminary…