Grandparents' and mothers' drug use predicted hyperactivity, psychosomatic complaints, and social problems for boys, and acting-out behaviors for boys and girls. Maternal drug use predicted fearfulness, hyperactivity, and social problems for boys, and developmental problems for boys and girls. (BC)

The literature review finds valid the distinction within the diagnostic category of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) of either the presence or absence of hyperactivity. ADD children without hyperactivity exhibit less serious conduct problems, are less impulsive, less rejected by peers, but more socially withdrawn, and more likely to exhibit…

Children (n=110, ages 2-17) placed in foster care as a result of sexual abuse were found to have similar behavioral problems and other attributes as children placed for other reasons. Sexually abused children exited foster care for planned permanent living arrangements at a significantly faster rate than nonsexually abused children. (Author/JDD)

This study examined whether a "goodness of fit" theoretical model (applied to 53 families with and 62 families without children with learning disabilities) might help in understanding children's school performance. For both groups, children rated as a "poor fit" in the home demonstrated poorer classroom behavior and poorer achievement over the…

This study compared computer-assisted instruction and personal instruction with 4 children (ages 4-7) with autism. Although three subjects showed better motivation and fewer behavior problems in the computer-assisted condition, this did not affect their learning rate. (Author/DB)

Psychologists, counselors, social workers, clergy, teachers, and others are often in the position of needing to train parents in parenting skills, particularly in the area of discipline. "The Discipline Package" offers a succinct plan for parents to follow involving three steps. Each step is described, along with options for responding…

Discusses how teachers can be sensitive to the needs of adopted children with disabilities and avoid overreacting to learning and behavioral difficulties by understanding the family, helping children learn that families are formed in many ways, using positive adoption language, being creative with class assignments, and utilizing resources. (CR)

This guide to Tourette Syndrome addresses prevalence and etiology, associated behaviors (such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), treatment approaches and medication, and classroom management techniques (such as handling tic release/stress and managing hyperactivity/controlling attentional impulses). (DB)

School officials have a moral and legal duty to preserve all students' safety and well-being while not trampling on the constitutional rights of students involved in disruptive behavior. Administrators must adopt defensible school policies, ensure parent understanding, observe due process, and exercise administrative authority in a reasonable…

Uses longitudinal data on sibling pairs from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth to investigate the influence of father presence on behavioral and cognitive outcomes for children. Results indicate that children who live in one-parent families exhibit more behavioral problems and have lower mathematics and reading ability than children in…

Discusses a school-based prevention program initiated to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use among adolescents. Investigates changes in reported ATOD use from 1987 to 1991. Significant decreases were found for use of most drugs with the exception of alcohol. Involvement in problem behaviors was the most salient risk factor whereas…

Examined whether children's cognitive biases moderated impact of stressful divorce-related events on adjustment in 9- to 12-year olds. Found that endorsing negative cognitive errors for hypothetical divorce events moderated relations between stressful divorce events and self- and maternal-reports of internalizing and externalizing symptoms for…

Study suggests that the Computer-Assisted Parenting Program may positively affect parent-child functioning. Computer group parents maintained their levels of involvement with their children, and increased limit setting during the 8-week course. Results may be related to animated computer-user interactions' emphases on child behavioral monitoring,…

Examines the prevalence, developmental course, and predictive power of child mental health problems for young children in general and low-income, diverse populations in particular. Notes discrepancies between Head Start agency-level data, national estimates, and intensive studies of similar populations. Describes new collaborative federal…

Discusses Harmonium Inc., a community-based agency that counsels adolescents who are at moderate to high risk of developmental defeat because their behavior either threatens their health or jeopardizes their future. It is designed to assist these adolescents using a collaborative, strength-based counseling model built in the integrative capacity…