Discusses the nature and extent of problem of prenatal drug exposure. Expresses concern about the increase in number of women of childbearing age testing positive for drug use. Explains the social, cognitive, behavioral, and motor deficiencies resulting from such drug exposure and consequent issues and recommendations for early childhood…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of self-monitoring across a classroom for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. All students showed increases in the percentage of intervals engaged in on-task behavior following implementation of the self-management procedures. The disruptive behaviors of one student were reduced to near zero…

A nationwide survey of 109 teachers of students with behavioral disorders found little programming concerning prevention of substance abuse. Teachers differed in their priority assignment of substance abuse prevention and reported the absence of parental involvement in such efforts. Lack of time, curriculum materials, and adequate funding were…

This study describes a predominantly Caucasian, middle-income sample (n=12) of sibling incest offenders from primarily intact families. Demographics, behavioral dysfunction, psychiatric diagnoses, history of victimization, family characteristics, and abuse characteristics are presented. Ninety-two percent of offenders had a history of being…

Two studies involving approximately 3,500 college students were conducted to establish and validate a self-report method of identifying nonclinical young adults with significant borderline personality disorder features and to evaluate clinical correlates of this classification across relevant areas of functioning. Results support the validity of…

Minority students are overrepresented among those labeled emotionally and behaviorally disturbed (EBD). But doing away with special education, under the argument that it is separatist and racist, will not solve the problem of race-segregated students. Lower teacher expectations for minorities is an especially deep-rooted problem that can occur in…

The report describes the successful treatment of trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling) in a mentally retarded 11-year-old boy with autism and severe mental retardation. Administration of haloperidol resulted in complete cessation of hair pulling which reappeared when the dosage was decreased and ceased again when dosage was reestablished. (DB)

Comparison of drug use patterns of 43 secondary school students with behavioral disorders and 43 students without behavioral disorders indicated that 51 percent of students with behavior disorders evidenced high drug use patterns in comparison to 14 percent of the nonhandicapped group. Low drug use was reported by only 28 percent of students with…

A progressive time-delay and a trial-and-error strategy were compared in teaching sight word acquisition to two children with severe behavior disorders. Observational learning was also studied. Results found direct and observed instruction both effective, and progressive time delay somewhat more effective than trial and error. (Author/PB)

This study examined the effect of a videotape feedback intervention on the on-task behavior rate of a fourth grade male in a self-contained class for students with emotional/behavioral disorders. Results revealed an increase in percentage of on-task time during intervention, a sharp drop during return to baseline, and an increase during…

This paper uses an interactional model to examine teacher-student relationships. The application of coercion theory to relationships between teachers and students suggests that teachers may become victims of their students and the systems that hold them responsible for educating atypical learners. (DB)

This study used a data-based assessment to identify reinforcers and punishers for successful treatment of two children with severe destructive behaviors. Results suggested that empirically derived consequences may be useful in decreasing destructive behavior when a functional assessment is inconclusive or suggests that internal stimuli are…

This article suggests ways in which special educators of students with emotional and behavioral disorders can introduce puppets into their classrooms as educational and therapeutic instruments. Puppets are able to help students identify problems and find rational solutions in a nonthreatening situation. Two sample applications are included. (DB)

Outlines characteristics of sex offenders, including family and school histories, sexual attitudes, social skills and relationships, delinquent behaviors, psychiatric diagnoses, and cognitive distortions based on mythical beliefs. Treatment requires correction of thinking errors and promotion of accountability, empathy, education, morality,…

This paper addresses the disproportionate number of males in programs for students with emotional and behavioral disorders--estimates of 3:1 and 6:1 are cited. It suggests that a combination of physiological differences between boys and girls and specific educational and environmental effects are plausible contributing factors. (DB)