Individuals with disabilities may exhibit dangerous behavior such as physical aggression and self-injury. Determining the environmental variables maintaining dangerous behavior using a functional behavior assessment can inform treatment in teaching individuals with disabilities functionally equivalent replacement behavior. However, logistic…

Eight years ago, Carleen Doucet was making her regular visits to schools in the Lafayette Parish district of Louisiana, where she works as the system's crisis intervention specialist, when she noticed a disturbing trend: More students with severe emotional disabilities were enrolled in the district than ever before. Few teachers and other school…

Students with disabilities are disproportionately represented within the bullying dynamic. However, few studies have investigated the interaction between disability identification and special education services. The current study evaluated bullying involvement (direct victimization, relational victimization, cybervictimization, bullying, fighting,…

This study examined influences on delinquency and recidivism using structural equation modeling. The sample comprised 199,204 individuals: 99,602 youth whose cases had been processed by the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and a matched control group of 99,602 youth without juvenile records. Structural equation modeling for the…

The authors examined the role of early adverse experiences, mental health problems, and disabilities in the prediction of juvenile delinquency and recidivism, using a matched-control group design. The delinquent group comprised 99,602 youth, born between 1981 and 1988, whose cases had been processed by the South Carolina Department of Juvenile…

Students with disabilities who display serious (e.g., dangerous) problem behaviors are frequently educated in alternative school settings. Although there is considerable research on intervention approaches (e.g., function-based support) to support individual students with challenging behaviors, there is a lack of research on schoolwide…

To enhance the positive adjustment of youths with high incidence disabilities, a better understanding of the factors that influence their use of effective responses in challenging situations is needed. In this qualitative study, adolescents described individual and peer factors that would influence their use of effective nonviolent or aggressive…

Psychiatric emergency services for children and adolescents vary in process, structure and outcome. There are few systematic studies on the type and prevalence of psychiatric problems encountered, related circumstances or resulting interventions. Evidence in these areas is important in evaluation of the function of mental health services in the…

Recognized as the definitive reference in the field, this book addresses a broad range of biologically based disorders that affect children's learning and development. Leading authorities review the genetics of each disorder; its course and outcome; associated developmental, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges; and what clinicians and educators…

The introduction to the special issue looks at the implications for school policy and special education of increasing suicide, abuse, and violence. Nine school responsibilities and three levels of prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) are identified. (DB)

This issue paper on violence in public schools provides an overview of the problem and a joint statement by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) and the Council for Children with Behavior Disorders (CCBD). These two organizations believe that the majority of the violent, aggressive, or destructive students in U.S. schools are…

This reports presents results from a review of 38 published studies that measured behavioral outcomes associated with the movement of people with mental retardation from public institutions to community residential settings. Results demonstrate strongly and consistently that people who move from institutions to community settings have experiences…

This study examined whether acts leading to suspension or expulsion of students with disabilities were different from those committed by other students, based on a survey of 441 Kansas secondary school principals. Students with disabilities were found to be more than twice as likely to be suspended/expelled than other students, with 87 percent of…

This two-part, 50-minute video explores causes of challenging behavior in young children and is designed to help teachers and other caregivers intervene effectively. Behavior management strategies and techniques are presented. The first part of the video covers the behavior of children who experience such problems as extreme temper tantrums,…

In the absence of immunity, courts have held schools and school personnel liable for personal injury by a student with a disability that resulted from negligent failure to provide a reasonable safe environment, failure to warn of known hazards, or failure to provide adequate supervision. Case law is presented to demonstrate the extent that school…