Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacts approximately 1 in 44 children in the United States. Common characteristics of ASD are marked deficits in communication and social connectedness. As autistic children approach adolescence, there is a lack of interventions available to them. Mentoring can provide adolescents with a relationship that…

The study aimed to examine the impact of social-emotional competence (SEC) training for teachers on adolescents' SEC and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Based on the KAB behavior change model, this study constructs an analytical framework and empirically analyzes the intrinsic connection between teacher SEC training and students' SEC using…

Bullying in school and cyberbullying are highly relevant issues. Students with special educational needs in emotional-social development and learning show individual characteristics that could be risk factors for bullying perpetration and victimization (e.g., externalizing behavior problems or poor social skills). Therefore, the present study was…

Despite the movement toward identification of evidence-based practices (EBPs), there is a discrepancy in the availability of school-based EBPs targeting the unique needs of students with high functioning forms of autism and related social needs. Based on calls for systematic intervention development and evaluation processes, the current study…

Equipping youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to flourish during and after high school is central to the purpose and practice of special education. However, many students with ASD are leaving high school without the preparation and connections needed to engage meaningfully in their communities. This article reviews research-based approaches…

National statistics reveal that Latino youth face significant challenges and engage in many risky behaviors that can hinder positive development and well-being, such as attempted suicide, lifetime cocaine use, unprotected sex, and dropping out of school. However, these statistics obscure the fact that many Latino youth are developing well despite…

This study investigates the relationships among stress, coping, and mental health in 139 students participating in an International Baccalaureate (IB) high school diploma program. Mental health was assessed using both positive indicators (life satisfaction, academic achievement, academic self-efficacy) and negative indicators (psychopathology) of…

Female relationships are described as more intense, demonstrative, exclusive, and nurturant than male. Male relationships are more likely to be based on enjoyable companionship and similarity in attitudes. The relationship is important enough to development that lack of a close friend should be viewed as a deficit. (Author)