Language impairments in children are associated with later impairments in cognitive, language, and academic domains (Johnson et al., 1999). The prevalence rate for language impairments is high among community samples (7% to 17%; King et al., 2005), and speech and language disorders are often co-morbid with other neurodevelopmental disorders…

Several researchers have employed milieu therapy to address the communication needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thus, the purpose of this review is to examine milieu therapy, particularly, the environments and individuals involved in the training and the effectiveness of milieu therapy with children who have a diagnosis of ASD…

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combining milieu therapy and functional communication training (FCT) to replace aberrant behavior with functional communicative skills in 3 male preschool or elementary aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Study activities were conducted in the natural…

This literature review examines the present level of evidence in support of communication-based treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders. Reviews to date have reported on research published through 2002. The current article included 36 studies published between 2002 and 2007. Best available evidence is presented for seven treatment…

We report a randomized trial of a revised Behavioral Family Systems Therapy for Diabetes (BFST-D) intervention. Families of 104 adolescents with diabetes were randomized to standard care (SC) or to 6 months of an educational support group (ES) or BFST-D. Family communication and problem-solving skills were assessed at 0, 6, 12, and 18 months by…

Researchers acknowledge a strong association between the frequency and duration of environmental reward and affective mood states, particularly in relation to the etiology, assessment, and treatment of depression. Given behavioral theories that outline environmental reward as a strong mediator of affect and the unavailability of an efficient,…

A rationale is presented for using a coping-skills training approach with college students who face important environmental demands. Two case examples of college students suffering from test anxiety illustrate the effectiveness of brief therapy approaches in teaching coping skills. (Author/CJ)

Described is a new approach to family therapy which treats emotional problems by exploring here-and-now interpersonal relationships within the basic human group. This approach portends a drastic revision of the role that psychotherapy should play in our society. (Author/KC)

The diagnosis and treatment of a 13-year-old female who manifested postencephalitic behavioral syndrome 9 years after an acute measles infection are described, along with the history of the case. The case illustrates that an interdisciplinary approach using a single-case experimental design can be clinically effective. (SEW)

Reports experience with 14 adolescent cases of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Discusses adolescents' tendency not to cooperate with behavior therapy and medication, and the usefulness of psychotherapy in treating these patients. Concludes that non-specific milieu therapy leads to recovery in a majority of adolescent obsessive compulsives. Admits…

Discusses problems associated with the increasing number of drug offenders in U.S. correctional institutions. Explores the relationship between drugs and crime, the history of treating drug-using offenders, and efforts afoot in the Federal Correctional Options Program and the Bureau of Prisons to rehabilitate these prisoners. (MKA)

A national survey of outdoor behavioral healthcare programs that annually serve over 10,000 clients and their families found that over 80 percent of programs were licensed by state agencies. Private placements outnumbered adjudicated programs by nearly five to one, and less than 25 percent of client treatment costs were covered by insurance…

Describes Project Adventure's Legacy program, a 12-bed, 10-month residential program for juvenile sex-offenders in Georgia. Most offenders started as victims, so the program must address their early sexual trauma. Adventure-based counseling, with its emphasis on the total mind-body experience, is especially suited for this. Sidebars present the…

In 1995, Project Adventure began a 12-bed, 10-month residential program called Legacy, which uses adventure-based counseling and treatment with juvenile sex offenders in Georgia. Clients must pass through a four-level system for successful completion of the program. Passing to a higher level is contingent on following the behavioral norms in the…

Court decisions stressing the rights of mental patients have necessitated a radical revision in the management of behavioral treatment programs. The client's rights to the least intrusive procedures to achieve treatment goals have become important in case law. Factors which identify intrusiveness include: (1) the extent to which the "new…