Examined 4-year-olds for effects on IQ of prenatal cocaine exposure, exposure to other substances, risk factors, and neonatal medical problems. Found that maternal verbal IQ and low environmental risk predicted child IQ. Cocaine exposure negatively predicted children's overall IQ and verbal reasoning scores for boys only. Maternal harsh…

Two elementary schools were studied over two years of a schoolwide program to improve service delivery to students with behavior problems. Program components included an advisory committee, schoolwide organizational practices, schoolwide classroom management intervention, and individual behavioral interventions. Target students displayed improved…

Evaluation of a proactive behavioral approach to teaching prosocial behavior was evaluated in six urban elementary physical education classes. Results demonstrated positive across-grade trends in student leadership and teacher-independent conflict resolution behaviors, marked decreases in student off-task behavior, less teacher-directed and more…

Examined relation of 7-year olds' attachment representations to later behavior and academic competency during middle childhood and adolescence. Controlled for social class, gender, IQ, perspective-taking ability, and prior competency. Found that attachment representations did not predict disruptive behavior or extroversion, but secure…

Thirty Chinese mothers of adult children with mental retardation were interviewed to explore the source and nature of their stress and social support. Results found common stressors were future planning and behavior problems of the children. Mothers received support mainly from family members and training center staff. (Author/CR)

Consumer satisfaction and social validity were measured during a double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of risperidone in treating aberrant behaviors of persons with developmental disabilities. A survey showed all 17 caregivers felt participation was positive. Community members (n=52) also indicated that when on medication, the 5 participants…

This article begins by discussing requirements for functional behavioral assessment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and then describes a comprehensive model for the application of behavior analysis in the schools. The model includes descriptive assessment, functional analysis, and intervention and involves the participation…

This article presents criteria researchers should consider when seeking to establish a socially valid understanding of problem behavior. Criteria include determining if behavior change is demonstrated in typical settings and whether the intervention promotes movement in the least restrictive environment, is conducted by families and/or school and…

Of 52 children (ages 9-19) with visual impairments who attended a sports camp, 15 demonstrated stereotypic rocking currently or in the past. Children most likely to rock were those with retinopathy of prematurity who underwent lengthy hospital stays and multiple surgeries early in life and who were blind from birth. (Contains references.)…

This article describes the following steps for developing and implementing system-wide behavior support: establishing a foundation for collaboration; building faculty involvement; establishing a data-based decision-making system, brainstorming and selecting strategies within an action planning process; implementing a school-wide program through an…

A study compared the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) and the Behavior Problems Inventory (BPI) for assessing the maladaptive behavior of 226 adults, mostly with severe or profound mental retardation. Individuals with elevated BPI scores generally had higher ABC scores, however, the extent of covariation differed across subscales. (Contains…

Examines the effect of a special needs category (intellectual disabilities versus emotional and behavioral problems) and student teachers' (n=93) training concerning their attitudes toward inclusion. Reports that neither category affected their attitudes. Determined that teachers were more negative about the impact students with emotional and…

Examines relationships between Norwegian students' perceptions of class management and their self-reported misbehavior. Students' perceptions of class management accounted for significant amounts of variance in self-reported misbehavior. Perceived class management was more strongly associated with off-task orientation and opposition toward…

Used data from longitudinal study of consequences of child maltreatment to explore relationships between service referrals and children's behavioral and academic functioning. Found that mental health services were the most frequently recommended service for maltreated children. More than 25 percent of children with serious behavioral problems did…

The scope of school board liability for student misconduct is broadening. The U.S. Supreme Court found that school officials are responsible for student-on-student harassment when they have knowledge of the acts, act with deliberate indifference, and the harassment deprives the victim of access to education. This rationale is consistent with…