Examines school performance and behavior of children with low birthweights (less than 2500 grams), compared with a group of normal-birthweight children, using 1988 Health Interview Survey data and controlling for family socioeconomic characteristics. Low-birthweight children are more likely to repeat a grade and attend special-education classes,…

Analysis of questionnaires completed by parents of young children with either Prader-Willi syndrome (N=84), Down syndrome (N=56), or typically developing (N=86), found children with Prader-Willi exhibited more compulsions, skin-picking, and tantrums than did the other groups. Discriminant analysis identified two functions (developmental milestones…

A study found the stereotypic behaviors of four children with developmental disabilities reduced by 51.6 percent in a single frequency treatment consisting of one daily ten minute walk/jog session, however, the behaviors reduced 58.9 percent following a multiple frequency conditions that involved three ten minute walk/jog session per day.…

This article describes the successful treatment of sleep problems in a 5-year-old boy with autism. The intervention was based on behavioral principles and involved the parents attending an individually run parent training program. The parents learned how to use a bedtime routine, reinforcement, effective instructions, partner support strategies,…

A study involving four boys (ages 8-9) with developmental disabilities and autism found that a four-step procedure (functional analysis, descriptive assessment, establishing operations analysis, and follow-up evaluation), was effective in identifying methods of instruction that decreased the likelihood of destructive behaviors without disrupting…

The efficacy of noncontingent reinforcement with variable-time (VT) schedules was evaluated by comparing the effects of VT and fixed-time (FT) reinforcement schedules with two individuals with moderate to severe mental retardation and severe behavior problems. Both VT and FT schedules were effective in reducing problem behavior. (Contains…

Two studies involving five students (ages 9-17) with autism found that stereotypy was multiply determined or occurred across all assessment conditions (attention, demand, no-attention, and recreation conditions) and that the presumed association between response topography and behavioral function may be less important than previously realized.…

A study compared the effects of two interventions (high-probability requests and preferred item as a distractor) on the success of classroom transitions of two 6-year-olds with behavior problems in inclusive classrooms. Results indicated that both interventions were effective in increasing successful transitions and were found to be socially…

A study investigated the use of functional assessment for the transition difficulties of an 11-year-old girl with multiple disabilities who engaged in flopping to the ground during transitions. Assessment information led to the scheduling of a period for interaction immediately following problematic transitions and resulted in reduced rates of…

Compared adjustment of maltreated and nonmaltreated 5- to 12-year-olds. Found that maltreated children showed less academic engagement, more social skills deficits, lower ego resiliency, and more externalizing and internalizing behavior problems than nonmaltreated children. Effects of maltreatment on academic maladjustment were partially mediated…

Examined associations between in vitro fertilization (IVF) and parenting quality, family functioning, and emotional/behavioral adjustment of 3- to 7-year-olds. Found that IVF mothers reported greater protectiveness than mothers of naturally conceived children. Teachers rated IVF mothers as displaying greater warmth but not overprotective or…

This paper calls for research on reducing the incidence and prevalence of antisocial behavior, focusing on testing such interventions as advocacy and community organizing within small communities. Availability of validated school and clinical behavior interventions can assist communities in increasing forms of youth supervision and social and…

Effects of extinction and negative reinforcement on latency of responses (including aggression and self-injurious behavior) following activity requests to an adolescent girl with mental retardation and autism were evaluated. Results showed that latencies occurred in a predictable order. The response class was expanded to include an appropriate…

This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of the physical and mental health and educational status of children in kinship care. Study results indicated a prevalence of health and behavior problems and an increased risk of school-related problems. Intermittent and systematic health assessments, and monitoring of school performance…

Because bullying affects school climate, schools and parents must address it by collaboratively developing guidelines for zero tolerance, effective monitoring, well-publicized consequences, and supports for the parents of both victims and aggressors. (SK)