Describes the clinical features and epidemiology of school refusal. Focuses on the use of cognitive-behavioral approaches to treatment, as illustrated with a case study. Emphasizes the role of teachers in the identification and treatment of school refusal. (HTH)

Past and current research on the effects of foods ingested and food allergies on hyperactivity and other behavior problems are examined in this article. It is argued that evidence supporting a link between diet and behavior is lacking. Methods for correcting widespread public misconceptions on this subject are also discussed. (Author/PB)

This study analyzed effects of repetitive task size on rate of responding and behavior of five adolescents with autism and mental retardation. Compared to large-task conditions, small-task conditions resulted in higher on-task behavior and better work-related behavior for all participants and higher work rate for four participants. (Author/PB)

This case study focused on an adult with severe disabilities and multiple problem behaviors fitting a pattern of behavioral escalation. Functional assessment indicated that use of rule statements by the teacher was related to occurrence and escalation of problem behaviors. Elimination of rule statements was an effective instructional intervention…

This article examines the concept of negative reinforcement in relation to the maintenance of off-task and disruptive behaviors in classrooms. Suggestions are given for determining whether negative reinforcement (in the form of escape from the instructional task) or teacher attention is maintaining the behavior. Suggestions for making tasks less…

Trained observers conducted direct observations of Thai and American children's school behavior and obtained teacher reports on the same children. Observers reported twice as much problem behavior and off-task behavior in American children as in their Thai age-mates, contradicting some earlier studies. Findings support the value of direct behavior…

This paper reports on the first two years of operation of an Interdisciplinary Review Committee managing the use of psychotropic medication in a training center for people with intellectual disabilities in Victoria (Australia). Clients (n=25) receiving medication to manage challenging behavior had daily doses of neuroleptic medication reduced by…

Comparison of 289 Canadian elementary students with behavioral or emotional difficulties with 363 Welsh students referred for social/emotional difficulties found similarities in the severity and frequency of acting-out or undercontrolled behaviors but significant differences in inhibited or overcontrolled behaviors, with Canadian teachers…

The social information-processing skills of 16 aggressive and 19 nonaggressive men with borderline-to-moderate mental retardation were examined. The two groups did not differ in their ability to generate multiple solutions or provide appropriate responses. K. Dodge's social information-processing model is considered. (Author/SW)

Time-based lag sequential analyses were conducted on 23 topographies of challenging behavior shown by 5 young people with severe mental retardation across 2 settings. Potential behavioral functions were identified for 21 of the 23 behaviors. Response classes were identified for four participants. Cross-validation with brief experimental analyses…

Factors associated with antisocial and aggressive behaviors in the schools are considered. Past practices are contrasted with emerging approaches to opposing aggression, including primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. The need for comprehensive intervention, the current policy of inclusion, and changing school personnel preparation…

Nonverbal and verbal techniques that teachers can use to manage surface behaviors are suggested, including planned ignoring, eye contact, facial expression, body posture, close proximity, touch control, limitation of space, redirection to another activity, ventilation, distraction, understanding and reassurance, modeling, humor, one-to-one…

The prevalence and effects of child sexual abuse in Spain were studied, using interview and survey responses from 1,821 individuals. Results indicated a high prevalence of sexual abuse prior to age 17 (15 percent of males and 22 percent of females) and a number of short-term and long-term effects, including a tendency toward mental health…

The efficacy of outpatient, weekly group treatment for 30 girls, 9 through 12 years old, who were sexually abused was examined and compared to psychological status of 15 girls waiting to begin treatment. Two inventories were administered before treatment and approximately six months later. Treatment reduced the girls' perceived anxiety and…

Describes longitudinal investigation evaluating additive model of impact of adolescent mothers' parenting practices on children. Suggests infant-mother attachment predicted behavior problems among preschool children of adolescent mothers and adolescent mothers' depression explained significant additional variance in those problems. States mothers'…