Shaping behavior by reinforcing a series of successive approximations is discussed, and procedures for promoting internal shaping in children are described. Instructions are given for the "shaping game," by which parents and children can learn the techniques. (CL)

Teaching exceptional children to use verbal cues to control nonverbal behaviors is suggested as a procedure for establishing adaptive behaviors and as a self-management strategy for ensuring generalization and maintenance of new responses. (Author/CL)

Methods for dealing with classroom behavior problems of handicapped students in mainstream classes should follow the principle of least intensive intervention. Specific strategies for reducing undesirable behavior (planned ignoring, stating expectations, signaling) and increasing desirable behaviors (modeling, structuring the situation, positive…

The article describes five dimensions of handicapped children's behavior likely to be affected by environments: engagement, independence, aggression, social interaction, and happiness. Research and theory documenting the relationship between environments and behavior are reviewed and guidelines for matching changes in preschool environments to…

The review and synthesis of the literature on self-injurious behavior examines characteristics, causes, and both psychological and behavioral management strategies. Six suggestions for educators are offered. (DB)

Ten papers contributed by school psychologists or university educators working with school psychology programs review psychological theory and research on behavioral strategies for psychological intervention. Following an overview on the effective use of behavior modification in the school, nine behavior change methods are examined in terms of…

The Physical Response Education System (PRES) project began in pilot studies of the effectiveness of acupressure in addressing the physical and emotional problems of disabled students. In the pilot study (1979-80), 12 students received 6 weekly sessions from a professional acupressurist, and in the intern study (1980-81) 15 students received 8…

This module is designed to provide teachers, teacher trainers, and administrators with an introduction to consultation as a service to support students with disabilities and/or challenging behaviors in their home schools. The module provides a rationale for the use of consultation as a part of school programs, a review of research on its current…

Identifies essential features of behavior modification programs and applies them to children who have disabilities. Discussion and examples are organized around four steps of behavior modification: (1) define and measure the target behavior; (2) identify under what conditions the behavior occurs; (3) identify factors causing or maintaining the…

The article reviewed research on professionals', consumers', and others' judgments of the restrictiveness, social acceptability, and estimated frequency of use of procedures to decrease problem behaviors of disabled persons. Most respondents agreed that more restrictive procedures should be used as a last resort and that less restrictive…

This article offers suggestions for addressing behavioral infractions by students with disabilities in inclusive classroom settings. Ten questions are offered to help analyze situations that foster disruptive behavior and assist in the selection of appropriate behavior-reduction strategies. (DB)

This edition of the newsletter of the National Information Center for Handicapped Children and Youth introduces methods used to change children's behavior and help them acquire the skills needed to work with others, have friendships, achieve independence, and enjoy normal social relationships. Brief articles have the following titles: "Social…

Research on environmental strategies to increase positive peer interactions has been conducted on a wide range of children, including 2- to 5-year-old typically developing children and children with a variety of developmental and social disabilities. Intervention efforts have been successful with both typically developing children and children…

The paper reviews the origins and applications of cognitive behavior modification (CBM), an approach involving exceptional students in their own behavior change. Contributions to CBM are traced from behavior modification, cognitive psychology, and instructional theory and research. Applications (training self-instruction and problem solving) are…

This article addresses difficult and disruptive behavior of children with severe learning difficulties in British classrooms. It stresses the importance of clear policy underlying teacher training in methods of prevention, intervention, restraint, and record keeping. Principles of inservice training in behavior management skills are identified.…