The growing number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) warrants better understanding of how clinicians and families work together following a child's diagnosis. Individuals with ASD share pronounced differences in communication and styles of social interaction along with the presence of repetitive behaviors and…

This study investigated the knowledge and skills of undergraduate and graduate practicum and student teaching students with positive behavior supports (PBS). Participants for this study consisted of a population of one hundred students from a southwestern university's College of Education teacher preparation program. Students completed an adapted…

The number of children diagnosed with pediatric bipolar disorder has increased 4,000% from 1994 to 2003. Researchers have identified the need for teachers' professional development in this area but have not specified what teachers need to know to effectively educate students. The problem addressed was this lack of clinical knowledge and…

In the 1970s, the Education for the Handicapped Act (EAHCA) gave rights to parents to receive training and mandated that schools provide it. The 1997, Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 1997) mandated the use of PBS for children with problem behaviors. IDEA 1997 required that schools create behavior plans with positive behavioral strategies…

Families of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit decreases in cohesion and adaptability, increased social isolation (Higgins et al., 2005), higher levels of marital dissatisfaction (Hastings et al., 2005), and overall disruption to daily life (Bristol et al., 1988). Research has provided evidence of higher levels of stress,…