Discusses the lack of thorough behavioral assessments prior to treatment interventions and describes a sequenced, structured format for conducting a comprehensive behavioral analysis. The procedures for the assessment are described, including recording observations, organizing information to clarify recurring patterns, interpreting observations,…

A study investigated the effects of aerobic exercise on the self-stimulatory behaviors and academic performance of five adolescent males with autism. Results found there was a significant decrease in self-stimulatory behavior following the physical exercise. Academic performance increased after the aerobic exercise as compared to classroom…

This study explored the use of methylphenidate with two boys (ages 7 and 8 years) with Williams syndrome, a genetic disorder frequently accompanied by symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Both boys performed optimally on 10 mg of methylphenidate administered twice daily, although one displayed increased…

This column summarizes recent ERIC documents and journal articles, and highlights some World Wide Web resources, that discuss issues related to the problem of children biting in preschool. (Contains 13 annotated summaries.) (SD)

Examines whether curriculum-based assessment (CBA) procedures could be incorporated into a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) to identify antecedent events that occasion off-task classroom behaviors of students in a general education classroom. Suggests that the use of CBA during a functional analysis appears to be a practical and effective…

Examines whether there are gender differences in the associations between conduct problems and risk factors. Results reveal that even though there were gender differences in the strength of these associations, the same risk factors seem to be relevant in explaining conduct problems for both gender groups. (Contains 72 references and 5 tables.)…

Examined risk and protection for adolescent problem behavior and depressive symptomatology in an average-risk sample of 243 11th graders. Regression analyses using aggregated or summary measures of risk for several contexts showed that multiple contexts of risk contributed independently to both misconduct and depressed moods, and that protective…

Examined linkages between novelty seeking, as defined by C. Cloninger (1986), harm avoidance, and reward dependence dimensions and risky sexual behavior among 200 boys in treatment for substance abuse and delinquency compared to 200 boys recruited from the community. Analyses indicate that differences in personality failed to account for observed…

The purpose of this article is to analyze current theories about childhood sexual behavior, differentiate between normal and problem childhood sexual behavior, and propose some alternatives for sex education in the schools. (IAH)

Suggestions are made to help physical education teachers manage disruptive students, increase on-task instruction time, and develop a systematic approach to avoiding confrontations in class. (IAH)

The study, in which mothers of 62 children with spina bifida completed the Child Behavior Checklist, found that children with differing degrees of physical problems and disability (determined from medical charts) did not differ significantly in their psychosocial adjustment. (Author/DB)

This study evaluated the effectiveness of high probability requests and time-out as treatments for noncompliance which appeared to be maintained by contingent attention in two developmentally normal children. The introduction of high-probability requests increased compliance for one child but not the other. Time-out was effective with both…

Provides descriptive account of one common type of out-of-home placement for children, residential treatment center. Attempts to portray daily life in children's residential program by spending day with seven-year-old boy in residential treatment. Describes morning and school routine; afternoon routine of homework, chores, individual counseling,…

This study investigated the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral training in reducing angry behavior and aggression among three fourth-grade students in a multicategory resource room. Results indicated that students were able to learn the strategy and reduce undesirable behavior, maintaining decreased levels of anger and aggression over time.…

This introduction to and overview of a special issue on social behavior assessment within schools discusses the impact of function-based methodologies on assessment and intervention practices in identification and remediation of challenging social behaviors. (JDD)