Examination of the effectiveness of a behavioral parent training package with three mothers of autistic children found that, although all parents increased their correct use of behavior modification skills following the introduction of intervention in two home settings, only one parent generalized these skills to a third home setting. (Author/DB)

Functional analyses were conducted with four individuals with profound mental retardation whose self-injurious behavior (SIB) had relapsed after successful treatment (also based on functional analysis). For three subjects, this second analysis revealed that SIB had acquired new or additional functions. Results suggest reasons other than program…

Craighead, Craighead, Kazdin, and Mahoney's (1994) text is considered as representative of strengths and weaknesses in behavior therapy. Although the field has great resources and impressive accomplishments, it has the weaknesses of disunified science. Exemplifies strengths and weaknesses together with possible means of remedying the latter. (JPS)

Randomly assigned 72 social phobics to behavioral (flooding) or drug treatment with atenolol or placebo. Found that flooding consistently was superior to placebo, whereas atenolol was not. Flooding also was superior to atenolol on behavioral measures and composite indexes. Subjects who improved during treatment maintained gains at six-month…

To identify the most potent reinforcers for 10 young children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the relative treatment utility of a verbal forced-choice questionnaire, child nomination, and direct observation was evaluated. Results demonstrated that all three methods were more likely to disagree than agree and that a forced-choice…

Treatment of behavioral problems of 3 girls (ages 31-37 months) with Rett's disorder is discussed. Behavioral treatment using operant conditioning principles did little to alter the course of the disorder for these individuals. The one consistent improvement for the girls was a decrease in tantrums. (SW)

This paper describes a dentist-implemented intervention in which brief escape from dental treatment (contingent on brief periods of cooperative behavior) was provided to manage disruptive child behavior during restorative dental treatment with four children, aged three to seven years. The procedure required no more time than traditional management…

This paper comments on the controversy surrounding the use of gentle teaching and applied behavior analysis. Strengths of gentle teaching are noted, such as its wide focus and emphasis on mutual change between client and caregiver. Behavioral interpretations are offered for behavior change reported in the use of gentle teaching procedures. (JDD)

Conducted single-subject, experimental research to examine efficacy of treating severe, long-term selective mutism in nine-year-old male using shaping, multiple reinforcers, natural consequences, stimulus fading, and mild aversives. Implemented different treatment regimens in home and school environments. Home intervention resulted in increase in…

Focuses on techniques with proven effectiveness in controlling misbehavior in both public schools and correctional institutions. Highlights three ways to handle misbehavior: (1) preventive planning; (2) anticipatory response; and (3) systematic interventions. Emphasizes preventive planning techniques. (Author/JOW)

A survey administered to 91 supported employment job coaches and 86 supervisors revealed that confusion exists over what constitutes an aversive intervention versus a nonaversive intervention for persons with disabilities. When asked to rate 20 vignettes describing interventions, respondents' ratings ranged from nonaversive to severely aversive on…

Used Comprehensive Process Analysis to analyze six client-identified significant insight events in two treatments. Psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy event documented existence of two-part significant events and value of key words. Cognitive-behavioral therapy event illustrated role of context in transforming small therapy events into significant…

The Program for Academic Survival Skills (PASS) was adapted for use by secondary-level regular and special education students by incorporating a radio/tape player with a clocklight instrument which signaled when students were following classroom rules. Through use of precise classroom rules, instructive praise, corrective teaching, and rewards,…

Assigned college students (n=48) to anger reduction for cognitive-relaxation coping skills counseling group; time-limited, anger-focused, process-oriented counseling group; or uncounseled control group. Found that both counseling groups led to significant reductions on trait, state, and person-specific measures of anger and on nontargeted general…

Presented residents of life care community and nursing homes with scenarios of older woman. Client varied by cognitive capacity and behavior problem (aggression, verbal abuse, noncompliance). Participants rated three treatments: differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior (DRI), time-out, and haloperidol. All treatments were acceptable;…