The follow-ups showed maintenance of and steady improvement in nighttime fearless behavior, with only one child exhibiting fear. No new problems occurred. Results supported the use of direct instruction of parents and children to overcome severe nighttime fears of children. (Author/BEF)

Individuals given assertion training showed increases in acceptance of disability scores, self-concept/esteem scores, and social interaction skills scores when compared with individuals who did not experience assertion training. Assertion training was effective for increasing acceptance of disability in physically disabled university students.…

The author proposes affection training as an alternative to sexual reorientation for homosexuals. This training emphasizes the expansion of behavioral repertories rather than the sexual preference of an individual. Presented at the annual convention of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, San Francisco, 13 December 1975. (Author)

Describes the "wraparound" process--a method for developing realistic behavior plans for children with emotional and behavioral disabilities, involving significant persons from all domains of the child's life. Explores how this process can be used by educators in education plans and in other school-based planning meetings. (RJM)

A study of three children (ages 3-5) with developmental disabilities evaluated the effects of environmental enrichment on self-injurious behavior. Each child participated in a free-operate preference assessment to identify relative preferences for aberrant behavior. This assessment correctly predicted the success of environmental enrichment to…

This study assessed the efficacy of using obsessions as reinforcers contingent upon nonoccurrence of inappropriate behaviors in four children (ages five and six) with autism. The most effective treatment was providing the obsession plus mild reductive procedures (such as time out). Use of obsessions alone and use of food reinforcers with mild…

In this study of a 12-year-old boy with autism, mental retardation, and a history of severe gastrointestinal problems, who refused liquids and food, backward chaining was used to shape drinking from a cup and a fading procedure was used to increase the water he was required to drink. (Author/CR)

Describes a token economy that used tokens styled as license plates to elicit appropriate behavior in an inclusive fifth-grade class in which four students with behavior disorders were enrolled. Student involvement in establishing the "driving rules" of the classroom is explained, the components of a token economy are outlined, and steps for group…

This case study of a 7-year-old general education student with behavior problems illustrates how school personnel can implement high quality consultative services. Evaluation of a behavioral intervention (contingency contracting) indicated a significant decrease in disruptive behavior from baseline. Positive treatment effects were maintained at…

Presents a demonstration of successful behavioral case consultation combined with case study methodology in the treatment of a 13-year-old female afflicted with a psychogenic cough. Results suggest that psychogenic cough can be successfully treated by using behavioral case consultation as a framework for applying intervention. Limitations are also…

Demonstrates an alternative method (nondirective child-centered therapy) in treating enuresis and encopresis resulting from emotional disturbances. Examines various etiologies and approaches to treating these conditions. Provides a case study example. Claims that professionals must differentiate between primary and secondary occurrences of these…

Challenges criticisms that rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is not humanistic. Responds to misconceptions regarding the term "rational" and concludes that, although REBT is closely identified with secular humanism, REBT can also be seen as a set of analytical and therapeutic skills that religious humanists can use. (RJM)

Discussed are some advances in the treatment of autism. The cooperation between clinicians and parents is highlighted. The success of one school program is described. (CW)

Two experiments, one involving two elementary-aged girls with autism and one involving three boys with serious behavior disorders, found that the use of contingent access to free time and play materials increased the rate of correct math problems completed and decreased the error rates. (Author/JDD)

This review defines contingency contracting and describes its theoretical basis, examines empirical studies using contingency contracts to improve various school-related behaviors, discusses potential advantages and problems, provides recommendations to assist school personnel in effectively using contingency contracts, and suggests areas in need…