Contrasts the "ability training" and "task-analytic" approaches in teaching learning disabled children. Describes the use of the task-analytic behavioral model in Project EXCEL, a Child Service Demonstration Center. Summarizes guiding principles of this approach, and indicates that participating students have shown dramatic…

The authors describe behavior modification treatment procedures applied by direct-care staff in a residential school to conrol severe aggression and self-injury in two developmentally disabled, visually handicapped students. Techniques included positive practice overcorrection, verbal command, and response immobilization. (Author/CL)

Reviews individual and group studies describing the application of behavior therapy techniques to the management of 41 electively mute children. Updates previous reviews of treatment techniques, examines criteria influencing application of specific techniques to individual children, and evaluates evidence as to relative effectiveness of different…

The recalcitrant spitting of a blind, deaf, and retarded adolescent was eliminated with a behavioral intervention consisting of positive reinforcement for not spitting and facial screening for spitting. The social and academic implications of modifying such behaviors are discussed. (Author/CMG)

Examined the relationship between outcomes of behaviorally oriented treatment for children (N=366) and eye color. Findings were consistent with theoretical expectations: Dark-eyed children and teenagers responded better to reactive treatment programs than their light-eyed counterparts, while the reverse was true for self-paced treatment programs.…

A token economy was employed for the sequential modification of three high-priority behavioral deficits in a disturbed, autistic child: appropriateness of dress, academic achievement, and appropriate group walking. After establishing a stable baseline rate for all behaviors in both settings, the treatment was systematically implemented until all…

Describes reality therapy, a cognitive behavioral approach that has not been developed for, nor associated with, career counseling. Discusses the role of reality therapy in career counseling, with the aid of a flowchart model to present the particulars of the system. (Author/JAC)

The article maintains that many behavior modification specialists now prefer the labels "applied behavior analysis" and summarizes four studies published in the "Journal of Precision Teaching" on learning by activity, encouragement of creative writing, inner thought, and impact on the field. (Author/MC)

This paper reviews the literature on autism in general and examines in some detail the research on the Lovaas method of early intervention. The general review is divided into subsections which cover the following topics: historical perspectives, definition of autism, causes of autism, characteristics of people with autism, diagnostic criteria,…

Thirty-two Snake-fearing Ss viewed a videotape of four therapists who described and illustrated their techniques for treating fear of snakes. After describing their liking or disliking of each of the therapies, 16 Ss were assigned a preferred therapy, and the other 16 were given a nonpreferred therapy. The findings argue for the practice of having…

The current emphasis on performance criteria in training programs and in professional services poses a threat to the humanistically oriented helper. This article suggests a behavioral humanism as the desired solution to the dilemma and proposes some guidelines for formulating and implementing such a synthetic system. (Author)

This paper is concerned with...the identification of candidates for the Diagnostic Learning Center and with the success of the services rendered the child to eliminate inhibitive influences of learning. (Author)

The role of the psychologist is to make available to the teacher psychological knowledge and techniques relevant to problem solution. The role of the teacher is to use these techniques in solving the problem. Two case studies are presented to illustrate this procedure. (Author)

A contingency based lottery system was implemented to improve the classroom behavior of 18 learning disabled and educable mentally handicapped students, 13 to 16 years old. The lottery led to greater preparation for class and fewer incidents of talking without permission per student. (Author/CL)