This study examined the effects of presession exposure to attention, response blocking, attention with response blocking, and noninteraction conditions on subsequent engagement in automatically maintained challenging behavior and correct responding in four individuals with significant intellectual disabilities. Following a functional analysis, the…

Numerous researchers have reported a high incidence of additional disabilities coexisting with intellectual disabilities. Although an intuitive link can be made between the existence of multiple disabilities and greater need for support, little has been reported about this relationship. Using measures of adaptive functioning and support needs, we…

Recently, several instruments have been developed to measure the subjective component of the quality of life (QOL) of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). A next step, however, must be the further validation of these instruments. The present study aimed at evaluating the psychometric properties of one of these…

Chronic tic disorders, including Tourette's syndrome (TS), affect approximately .5% of children and adolescents. Although strong evidence exists supporting a neurobiological etiology, operant factors may play a role in the maintenance of tic behaviors. Pharmacological approaches remain the most commonly used intervention for chronic tic disorder…

Positive reinforcement was used to effectively treat aggressive and noncompliant behavior of two visually impaired, multiply handicapped male students (an 18-year-old and an 11-year-old). In one case positive effects of treating aggressive behaviors generalized to a reduction in self injurious behaviors. (DB)

The appropriateness of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) was investigated with 199 youngsters with dual diagnosis of mental retardation and psychiatric disturbance. With some cautions, the ABC is recommended, based on the robustness of its factor structure, clinically meaningfulness of the subscale scores, and internal consistency of the…

The study evaluated a positive behavior therapy approach to managing disruptive screaming and crying in a classroom setting by a ten-year-old female with severe retardation, visual impairment, and physical disabilities. Auditory stimulation decreased disruptive behavior to zero levels, and gains were maintained at five-month followup. (Author/DB)