Meta-analysis of 482 empirical studies on treatment of problem behaviors of individuals with mental retardation found that externally destructive behaviors are less successfully treated than socially disruptive and internally maladaptive behaviors. Also, response contingent procedures were significantly more effective than other procedures.…

This response to an article by Reiss and Havercamp (1997) that suggested that sensitivity theory offers a basis from which to assess and treat challenging behavior by people with development disabilities, critiques sensitivity theory, outlines the tenets of behavior analysis, and describes development and use of functional assessment. (Author/CR)

The effects of independent living training programs for 1,498 people with developmental disabilities were examined. After seven years, individuals who had received greater amounts of independent living services and improved/maintained their independent living skills were more likely to still live independently. There was no relationship between…

A review of 14 studies on treatment strategies for sleep problems in individuals with severe mental retardation found the following treatments had been used: sleep scheduling, bedtime routine plus gradual distancing of parents, extinction, bedtime fading with or without response cost, chronotherapy, and melatonin. Results of treatments are…

Examines the influence of type of behavioral program and program outcome on 230 university students' perceptions of a hypothetical 17-year-old boy with mental retardation who exhibited severe self-injury. A positive program was viewed as more acceptable and effective than were other programs, such as aversive strategies. (Author/CR)

This examination of the successful community placement of 15 medically fragile individuals with profound mental retardation and complex epilepsy found that simplification of anticonvulsants, early intervention for seizures, and improved staff education resulted in fewer seizures, decreases in emergency room visits for status seizures and…

A meta-analysis of nine studies on psychotherapy with persons who have mental retardation found a wide range of research designs, types of interventions, and participants. The evaluation also pointed to a moderate degree of change in outcome measure and moderate effectiveness in terms of benefit to clients with mental retardation. (Contains…

Proposes a developmental model for early intervention focused on cognitive development. The model addresses short- and long-term effects of early intervention, the mechanisms through which early intervention operates, the relationship between those mechanisms and the organization of existing service systems, current limits of programs, and…

Consumer satisfaction and social validity were measured during a double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of risperidone in treating aberrant behaviors of persons with developmental disabilities. A survey showed all 17 caregivers felt participation was positive. Community members (n=52) also indicated that when on medication, the 5 participants…

A study accessed the outcomes achieved by preschoolers with both severe mental retardation and autistic features who received intensive Lovass (O Ivar) behavioral treatment (n=11) and those who received minimal treatment (n=10). Results found that the intensively treated children obtained a higher mean IQ and evinced more expressive speech.…

The Infant Health and Development Program was an eight-site randomized controlled trial of comprehensive early intervention for low birthweight, premature infants from birth to age three. Higher mental development and IQ were associated with high levels of intervention participation at 24 and 36 (but not 12) months. A dose-response relation…

Attitudinal and psychosocial outcomes of a fitness and health education program for adults with Down syndrome were examined. Participants were 53 adults with Down syndrome ages 30 years and older (29 females, 24 males, M age = 39.72 years) who were randomized into a training (n = 32) or control group (n = 21). The training group participated in a…