Schools face an unprecedent demand for mental health services. Student mental health problems can be addressed via a continuum of mental health evidence-based practices (EBPs) integrated within school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). However, integrating mental health interventions with PBIS can be challenging. The…

Historically sleep was considered a passive activity, but research now strongly suggests that it is a time of neurological growth, where memories and skills are consolidated (Fallone et al., 2002). Good sleep is thought to influence cognitive, physical and emotional performance, and aid in effective emotional regulation (Alfano & Gamble,…

The occurrence of 'challenging' behavior is commonly documented amongst people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Since behavior is not only a form of communication, but often in response to environmental conditions, it stands to reason that one mechanism to reduce 'challenging' behaviors would be to draw attention to people's…

Background: The Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH-FS) allows paediatricians and other health care professionals to identify feeding difficulties among children. Aim: To translate and adapt the MCH-FS into Italian, and to evaluate the validity and reliability of this Italian version of the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale…

Introduction: Families have a significant role in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviors. However, it is not clear how actively families are involved when people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviors are living in out-of-home care. This scoping review explored the frequency and type of…

Recent research findings (DeRosa, Fisher, & Steege, 2015) suggest that minimizing exposure to the establishing operation (EO) for destructive behavior when differential reinforcement interventions like functional communication training (FCT) are introduced may produce more immediate reductions in destructive behavior and prevent or mitigate…

There is limited research that explores the experiences of how behavioural specialists actively involve people with a learning disability and challenging behaviour in the development of their positive behavioural support (PBS) plan. Accordingly, this exploratory research study aimed to explore this little understood area of practice. Methods: The…

This study examined socially appropriate and destructive behavior in unconstrained natural environments using a matching law analysis (MLA) of real time observational data. The participants were two school-age children and one adult with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities. Event lagged sequential analysis (SQA) provided the obtained rates of…

An approach to children with behavior problems and learning disabilities, based on viewing each child in the class as an individual, is presented. (Author/BD)

The article reviews characteristics of autism that affect adaptation to residential settings. A description of existing residential options, based on experiences in Great Britain and North Carolina, is presented. The development of residential programs specifically for people with autism is encouraged because their needs are often not met in…

Thirty-four elementary and 22 secondary teachers were assessed on teachers' expectations regarding students' behavior and the types of problems for which they require technical assistance. Results are analyzed in terms of differences between special and regular education teachers, and teacher dimensions of experience, demandingness,…

Reviews Cline and Helding's guide for adoptive and foster parents of disturbed children, noting author's direct approach in considering the difficulties of adopting special needs children, the quality of practical assistance, and the Cline/Helding Adoptive Parent Attitude Assessment. (JPB)

Previous studies have suggested that a substantial proportion of the patients with intellectual disabilities (ID) in the high security psychiatric hospitals (HSPHs) should be transferred to more appropriate services to cater for their specific needs in the longer term. The individual and placement needs of high secure psychiatric patients detained…

Preoccupation with food and weight, low levels of physical activity and fitness, and moving patterns are only a few indicators of adolescent difficulties. Educational alternatives to meet adolescent needs include integrated studies, multi-disciplinary approaches to critical issues, cooperative education and work study programs, and community and…

This paper examines the relationship between creation and destruction in the creative process. Findings from a study involving 60 actors and 60 criminals/delinquents (ages 10-65) indicate that the 2 populations are similar in their ability to use the creative process but criminals/delinquents do little productive with their ability. (Author/JDD)