A functional analysis isolated peer attention as the primary maintaining variable for disruptive behavior by a student (age 8) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Using a brief reversal design, noncontingent reinforcement was then shown to reduce disruptive behavior related to the peer attention condition. (Contains three references.)…

This article describes several features important in the success of using a behavioral model when treating individuals with autism and presents remaining issues to be addressed for improving treatment effectiveness. It urges future research to include strict empirical designs that allow for sound inferences regarding the parameters of treatment…

A study developed a systematic functional assessment package to reduce the stereotypy and self-injurious behaviors maintained by nonsocial reinforcement in two individuals with mental retardation. Differential reinforcement of zero rates of responding (DRO) procedures using stimuli within the targeted sensory classes were successful in eliminated…

Ten parents administered a behavioral reading-therapy program to their second- to fourth-grade children with reading disabilities. The children received from 70 to 121 30-minute sessions. Parents were able to administer the program effectively and children participated enthusiastically. Children showed mastery of the reading materials and…

A study conducted functional analyses of the pica of three young children. The pica of one participant was maintained by automatic reinforcement; that of the other two was multiply-controlled by social and automatic reinforcement. Preference and treatment analyses were used to address the automatic function of the pica. (Author/CR)

Study attempts to expand the empirical consultation research base by examining the effects of direct and indirect consultee training methods on treatment integrity and treatment outcomes. A multiple baseline design across consultation dyads was used to investigate the influence of these variables. Results suggest that direct consultee training led…

This study assessed the impact of a prevention program on the growth of delinquency from 13 to 16 years of age and examined whether its impact operated through a chain of events compatible with many developmental models. Analysis showed that the program had an indirect effect on the growth of delinquency from 13 to 16 years of age. (Author)

This critical review examines 10 controlled studies in which traditional operant behavioral procedures were compared with normalized interventions for teaching language to young children with autism. It concluded that normalized language training was substantially more effective than discrete-trial training and yielded more positive parental…

Provides a model of understanding and evaluating manualized treatments by beginning with a review of the theory and data-driven principles upon which one treatment, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), is based. As a point of illustration, several principles of PCIT, such as reinforcement, punishment, and stimulus control, are highlighted, and…

Examines the utility of visual cues as a form of antecedent management for promoting task engagement and lessening the effects of severe and challenging behavior among children with autism. Specific guidelines for designing and implementing activity schedules are described, and a case study is presented. (Author/CR)

This article summarizes articles related to functional assessment and its applications for individuals with problem behaviors. The research indicates functional assessment procedures have been established as a standard assessment tool that identifies environmental variables related to problem behaviors with links to the development of effective…

Examines the therapeutic and cultural factors related to effective substance-abuse treatment for Asian-American adolescents. Discusses recommendations for developing effective and culturally competent treatment service for minority populations. Presents three effective and culturally appropriate treatment models: Psychosocial, Community Treatment,…

Twenty academic and curriculum strategies are presented to proactively address the social and academic strengths of students with attention problems in general education classrooms, including: using teacher collaboration, using a more global learning style, incorporating peer involvement, modifying seating arrangements, incorporating picture…

The effects of combining positive behavior supports and person-centered planning on the problem behavior and general education participation of three students (ages 6-8) were examined. Two of the students increased or maintained high levels of general education participation and showed decreases in problem behavior. (Contains references.)…

A survey (N=22) of the effects of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for young children with autism analyzed case reviews and parent questionnaires. Data failed to support any instances of "recovery" while still yielding a high degree of parental satisfaction with the treatment. Continued dependence on extensive educational and related…