Increasing numbers of students with autism are being educated in mainstream schools. However, outcomes for students with autism are poor when compared to typical students and students with other developmental disabilities. In order to better understand facilitators and barriers to success at school for students with autism, research into the…

Recent legislation has increased the emphasis on including students with disabilities in the general education classroom. However, students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit a wide range of behaviors that make inclusion difficult. To date, there has been little research to identify best practices in reducing problem behavior and…

The literature and court cases point to the need for discipline alternatives for handicapped students other than suspension and expulsion. As more cases come to court, and as more specific policies are formulated, the discipline dilemma between this need and actual practice should be resolved. (JOW)

A brief description of autism is presented, along with evidence documenting the educability of autistic children. Some issues relating to autistic children's behavior are described, and teacher and administrator preparation is reviewed.

In response to the establishment of school-based teacher support teams to assist teachers serving students with learning and behavior problems in the general classroom, this article summarizes data from 5 studies of 96 teams concerning team goals, team impact on student performance and special education referral, reactions of classroom teachers,…

Presents findings of a nationwide survey into the extent to which United Kingdom schools for students with emotional and behavioral difficulties reintegrate their pupils into mainstream schools and on the problems they have encountered. Results indicate that very few of these pupils ever return to mainstream school. Considers study's implications…

Throughout its evolution, school-wide positive behavior support (SWPBS) has explicitly promoted the perspective that it should involve all students in a given school setting. However, the literature on SWPBS has not always fully and clearly addressed the involvement of students with severe disabilities. This article will (a) briefly review the…

Examines some obstacles to full implementation of provisions of the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Explores ways middle schools might overcome these obstacles, primarily by viewing behavior problems as errors in learning that can be ameliorated through quality instruction. Discusses ways in which schools must…

This review examines the literature on the social and behavioral characteristics of the educable mentally retarded (EMR), as children and as adults, which might influence their acceptance or rejection by non-EMR peers in a regular classroom. Attempts to modify undesirable behaviors are also reviewed. The conclusions are pessimistic. (SJL)

This review critically examines various aspects of school-based consultation between regular classroom teachers and teachers of special education. First, current approaches to consultation are described and obstacles to successful integration of elementary students with learning or behavioral problems into mainstream regular education classrooms…

Target 5 of the National Agenda for Achieving Better Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance is examined. Three assessment areas are reviewed: risk factors, problem behavior, and reintegration of students. Within each of these areas, current research and recommendations for best practices are provided. (Author/PB)

Mainstreaming autistic children requires dealing with certain types of behavior: disruptive behavior, learning problems, and difficulties functioning in group-oriented activities. Recent advances in behavioral treatment procedures have alleviated some of these problems. (MH)

Describes a comprehensive classroom management system that fosters the development of academic and social goals in all elementary school students. Advocates an approach that includes antecedents that prevent or minimize disruption and consequences that reinforce or increase appropriate behavior. (GLR)

Behavior management involves both the encouragement of social behavior and the reduction of inappropriate behavior. Initially, teaching efforts should be directed at identifying socially acceptable alternatives. If these efforts are unsuccessful, additional procedures that are specifically directed at the inappropriate behavior may be warranted.…