Destructive behavior of 9-year-old with learning disabilities was evaluated in a functional analysis. The effects of extinction, negative reinforcement, and negative reinforcement combined with access to preferred activities were compared on behavior and task engagement. Engagement occurred most and destructive behavior occurred least when…

This article presents criteria researchers should consider when seeking to establish a socially valid understanding of problem behavior. Criteria include determining if behavior change is demonstrated in typical settings and whether the intervention promotes movement in the least restrictive environment, is conducted by families and/or school and…

A sample of 165 adults with mental retardation was surveyed for the presence of psychiatric symptoms, mental retardation level, and challenging behavior. Challenging behavior was associated with increased prevalence of psychiatric symptoms, especially anxiety and psychosis, and not with depression. No association was found between anxiety and…

In this introductory article, the main features of positive behavior support are described, including a prevention-focused continuum of support, proactive instructional approaches to teaching and improving social behaviors, conceptually sound and empirically validated practices, systems change to support effective practices, and data-based…

Discussion of requirements of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act examines key components of the IEP, who constitutes the IEP team, roadblocks to effective use of the IEP, the top 10 common problems in IEPs, making the most of the IEP, transition planning, and…

This article describes how effective systems of positive behavioral support can be used in alternative educational settings as a means of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention for at-risk and adjudicated youth. Special concerns and specific strategies for this population are discussed across the range of placement alternatives. (Contains…

A study evaluated the effectiveness of in-school support systems, Pupil Support Bases, for 45 adolescents with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties at 11 comprehensive schools in Scotland. Students in focus groups agreed unanimously that the Pupil Support Bases were helpful and sometimes prevented them from being excluded. (Contains…

A study analyzed reading level and readability of 20 behavior treatment plans developed by certified behavior analysts. Those with higher readability levels had somewhat better treatment outcomes. A second study involving four individuals found that manipulations of reading grade level and readability of behavior treatment plans greatly enhanced…

The effects of social skill training on social behavior was assessed, using a structured learning model with 3 children with behavioral disorders, ages 7-14. Results showed an increase in frequency for most skill areas, an inverse relationship across negative behaviors, maintenance over time, and moderate levels of generalization to nontreatment…

The paper outlines risk factors for the development of both communication disorders and emotional/behavioral disorders in young children, outlines communication assessment considerations, offers a transactional approach to early intervention which emphasizes the interplay between young children and their caregiving environments, describes…

While Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 apparently protects individuals with emotional or behavioral disabilities when applying for admission to teacher education programs, closer inspection reveals that other legal and moral issues must be considered in protecting the public interest, especially the education of children and youth…

Addresses nutritional problems associated with developmental problems in infancy and childhood. Nutritional problems are often linked to environmental disadvantage; the possibility exists for long-term developmental effects. Treatment for undernutrition does not appear to reverse all negative effects. Prevention of nutritional disorders is better…

An analysis of parent contact logs on 161 learning disabled and behavior disordered elementary students indicated that the most widely used or requested services were for program information and informal feedback. Teacher expectations regarding need for advocacy group membership and parent-advisory-group participation exceeded parental…

Three theoretical perspectives on moral development and education are analyzed: individual (Kohlberg's theory of justice reasoning), interactional, and sociocultural. A continuum of six options for educational intervention is outlined, including the teacher as socialization agent, negotiation strategies, structured interventions, and an explicit…

Use of a family systems conceptualization in educational programing for behavior disordered students can improve program effectiveness and complement other effective classroom interventions. Changing support staff roles is recommended. For example, school psychologists coordinate family counseling services with ongoing educational programs instead…