A fading procedure was successfully used to maintain high levels of compliance obtained with presenting high-probability requests immediately antecedent to low-probability requests in both a 5-year-old boy with developmental disabilities and a 15-year-old girl with developmental disabilities (for whom rephrasing of "don't" requests to…

This paper outlines challenges for community research endeavors such as avoiding exploitative relationships with research participants. It then outlines 10 values for community research and action, involving establishing collaborative relationships with research participants, determining research goals and methods, designing and disseminating…

Discusses application of the Health Belief Model to the prevention of bulimia, describing each model component. The article considers the individual's beliefs about bulimia and bulimic-like behaviors as a means of predicting the likelihood of behavior change to prevent clinically diagnosable bulimia. (SM)

A modified functional analysis was used to assess the behavioral function of a profoundly retarded man's self-injurious behavior (SIB). Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior effectively reduced SIB and related behavior problems, while compliance of a self-care acquisition task increased markedly. (Author/DB)

The severe self-injurious behavior of a woman with profound mental retardation was treated with 3.5 milliamps of shock combined with reinforcement and extinction techniques, with minimal results. Treatment with the Hot Shot Power Mite, which delivers 18.5 milliamps, combined with reinforcement for compliance and extinction of self-injurious escape…

A study of 4-year-old girl with severe intellectual disabilities, congenital heart defects, and pulmonary disease investigated the effectiveness of restraint and no-restraint methods to prevent pica. Both methods prevented pica, however, the no restraint condition required less therapist effort and had less negative impact on quality of life.…

Highlights an approach that guides adolescents who have committed sexual offenses to learn healthy/prosocial ways to meet their sexual needs. Article is divided into an overview of literature, review of the sex education component of an intervention program for these adolescents, and discussion of practical considerations for professionals.…

Retrospective chart reviews of seven adolescents and young adults (ages 9-20) with autistic disorder treated with fluoxetine alone or in combination with other medications were performed. Side effects included initial appetite suppression, vivid dreams, and hyperactivity. Improvement was seen in irritability, lethargy, sterotypy, and inappropriate…

This article reviews research supporting the impact of differentiated instruction on both the social and academic performance of students. It proposes that the school curriculum, the general curriculum, and the individualized curriculum constitute the most critical social context for the behavior of students with emotional and behavior disorders.…

Evaluates claims of the Early Intervention Project, an intensive behavioral intervention program for young children with autism. Claims include recovery from autism in 47% of cases and substantial improvement in an additional 42%. The article finds methodological problems affecting internal and external validity of the project's reported results.…

Double-blind placebo-controlled procedures examined whether 6 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could recognize medication effects. Three children were able to accurately report their medication status at levels greater than chance. Accuracy of reports was related to dosage level, differences in behaviors, and the presence of…

Functional analysis of destructive behavior of a four-year-old boy with autism and oppositional defiant disorder was able to delineate the specific form of verbal attention that was responsible for behavioral maintenance. Treatment based on the analysis reduced the behavior to near-zero levels. (DB)

This study, with an 11-year-old male with severe mental retardation, investigated the effectiveness of selectively implementing punishment for only the most severe topographies of aggression and property destruction, whereas less extreme behaviors were ignored. Results indicated that severe behaviors were reduced to near-zero levels only when both…

A variety of cognitive and behavioral techniques used most commonly by practicing cognitive therapists is described, including clinical examples and recommendations for their implementation. (Author)

This article outlines a proactive framework for preventing and remediating challenging behaviors in preschool- and elementary-aged children through the implementation of functional behavioral assessments and the disciplinary provisions outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997. The model requires assessing environments,…