A multicomponent intervention to change problem behavior, which prevented community integration of three adolescents with autism, was evaluated. The intervention (implemented in a supermarket setting) included choice making, embedding, functional communication training, building tolerance for delay of reinforcement, and presenting discriminative…

A behavioral consultation approach was effectively used to reduce problem behaviors in 2 field studies with 3 students (ages 10-14) having severe or profound mental retardation and their teachers. Intervention involved extinction of inappropriate behaviors, reinforcement of appropriate play behaviors, and teaching verbal skills functionally…

Teachers need to be trained in skills for coping with increasing conflict and aggression in the classroom. Specifically, they need to be able to (1) teach social problem solving and conflict resolution skills; (2) implement verbal and nonverbal intervention techniques; and (3) physically intervene, when necessary, to protect all concerned.…

This study of two preschoolers having difficulty with on-task behavior during independent tasks found that the children could respond to self-monitoring training and that on-task behavior increased when they used the strategy. (Author/DB)

Data analyses on 3,346 parents with a minor child living at home found that 63 percent reported one or more instances of verbal aggression. Children (of both sexes and all ages) who experienced this frequently exhibited higher rates of physical aggression, delinquency, and interpersonal problems than other children. (BRM)

Investigated relations of marital discord and parental and child behavior for battered women and comparison mothers and their children. Found differences in level of stress and inconsistency in parenting between the groups of mothers. Children from violent families were reported to have more internalizing behavior problems than comparison…

Describes Interplay, a program to help problem kids develop the confidence they need to become active learners. The idea is to create a sense of cohesive group identity, using activities that help children respect each other, support each other's learning attempts, and accept each other's mistakes as necessary steps in learning. (MLH)

Positive reinforcement (food) presented both regularly and variably was effectively used to reduce self-stimulatory behavior in a 12-year-old profoundly retarded visually impaired male over a 2-month period. The improved behavior was maintained after the summer break and into the new school year. (DB)

Fifty-eight emotionally disturbed, residentially placed children (ages 7-12) were presented with vignettes depicting child misbehaviors and interpersonal problem situations. Very few children recommended physical punishment, including those from abusive families, but subjects were more likely to endorse physical punishment than normal controls.…

University women (N=277) completed questionnaires providing retrospective reports of childhood abuse. History of psychological abuse was uniquely associated with low self-esteem, physical abuse was linked to aggression toward others, sexual abuse was related to maladaptive sexual behavior, and physical and emotional abuse together resulted in…

Four individuals (ages 5-21) with severe mental retardation and autism were administered Naltrexone. Results indicated a reduction in such symptoms as hyperactivity, aggressiveness, self-injurious behavior, stereotyped behaviors; and promotion of positive social behaviors. Intermittent administration at low doses seemed more beneficial than more…

Describes experience working with a second-grade Native American male identified as a bully. Author used classroom and individual interventions and communicated with the child's parents, principal, teacher, and other school personnel. Suggests that problem children need courageous advocacy to succeed. (MKA)

A treatment package consisting of differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), token fines, and prompted relaxation was used to reduce the agitated-disruptive behavior of a young adult with autism and mental retardation living in a community group home. DRO procedures were partially implemented by a peer with Down syndrome. Baseline rates…

Reviews the research on the efficacy of prevention and intervention programs for aggressive behavior among preschoolers who are otherwise typically developing. Summarizes some key characteristics of 17 studies: (1) model/treatment focus; (2) target sample; (3) design; (4) reliability; (5) treatment description; (6) duration and follow-up; and (7)…

Examines the prevention of antisocial behavior in children. It considers which children are at risk for behavior disorders, risk factors and their effects, pressures on schools, the value of early intervention, types of interventions (primary, secondary, and tertiary), and a secondary prevention program for kindergarten students, First Steps to…