The limitations of informant assessment of problem behaviors was investigated across seven situations and three participants (ages 11-18) with cognitive impairments. Informant hypotheses about the function of problem behaviors were validated by subsequent functional analyses only when informants identified their hypotheses as involving situations…

The lip movements associated with dyskinesia in six adults with mental retardation were investigated through analysis at medication baseline, at the highest level of withdrawal dyskinesia, and at the lowest level of dyskinesia following medication withdrawal. Lip oscillations following withdrawal were linked to changes in structural complexity of…

Analysis of questionnaires completed by 55 teachers and support staff at special schools for children with mental retardation found that use of maladaptive coping strategies for challenging behaviors constitutes a risk for staff burnout and this risk is in addition to that associated with exposure to challenging behavior. (Contains references.)…

Using the Index of Teaching Stress, an instrument assessing a teacher's subjective level of stress and frustration in response to teaching a particular student, a study found elementary school teachers (n=64) rated students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as significantly more stressful to teach than their typical classmates.…

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth was used to assess whether maternal emotional support of a child moderates the relation between spanking and behavior problems. For each group (European Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans), spanking predicted an increase in the level of problem behavior over time. Maternal emotional…

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…

Discusses how a "disruptive" kindergarten student in a summer school program blossomed in a different classroom environment where there was an atmosphere of love and trust. Notes that the student was an active learner, and his new classroom environment encouraged that type of learning. (RS)

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)

Investigates the relationship of terminal core values to delinquency, substance use, and sexual behavior in a sample of high school students. Groups valuing fun/enjoyment and security were strongly identified with delinquency and substance use. Groups valuing self-respect, sense of accomplishment, and sense of belonging exhibited low frequency of…

Presents information to facilitate a one- to two-hour training session for teachers, other professionals, and parents on how to use peer tutoring to empower children and youth who exhibit challenging behaviors. Defines peer tutoring and presents what research reveals about best practices. Lays down steps for developing and implementing a peer…

A study investigated how providing choice opportunities to children (ages 5-9) with autism impacted their performance during teacher-assigned homework activities. Results showed that providing the students with opportunities to make choices regarding the order to task completion and use of stimulus materials improved participants' accuracy,…

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…

This article reviews recent advances in the "new genetics" and shows how such advances affect special education. Focusing on Williams, Fragile X, Prader-Willi, and Down syndromes, it notes how etiology-related cognitive-linguistic profiles and propensities to distinct personalities and behavior problems point the way to specific,…

Notes that neurobehavioral problems from exposure to lead and other toxins can be observed at doses far below those that cause more obvious signs of exposure. Calls for refining tests of cognitive and developmental skills in exposed children, identifying additional contaminants and mechanisms for behavioral effects, and improving dose- repose…

Describes a study assessing factors for developing a safer environment in an urban elementary school. Found that teachers wanted more student support, more resources, and less work pressure; that work conservation strategies to decrease work pressure led to student aggression; that teacher reluctance to share resources created more behavior…