Comparison of 27 school-aged impoverished children of mothers with mild mental retardation and 25 children of mothers without mental retardation found the children whose mothers had mental retardation had lower IQs, lower academic achievement, and more behavior problems. Boys were affected more severely than girls. Not one child with a mother who…

A school audit is described, based on the PeaceBuilders program, which helps to create a more peaceful school environment. A research-driven violence prevention program, PeaceBuilders has identified characteristics that help in creating this environment, such as common language, positive stories and behavior posters, daily rewards, group rewards,…

The Yes I Can Social Inclusion Program fosters the development and maintenance of social relationships of students with and without developmental disabilities by helping them to overcome negative behaviors and increase interpersonal skills. A sample lesson plan is included. Two case studies illustrate the program's effects on socially isolated…

This survey of 27 state departments of special education investigated standards and guidelines on behavioral procedures current in 1994 and compared them with 1989 survey results. Types of behavioral procedures, including prohibited/restricted procedures, were identified, and monitoring activities were described. In 1994, more states had standards…

Examined how family relationship quality and contact with deviant peers (CDP) contributed to change in problem behaviors, particularly whether gender of the adolescent and parent moderated these associations. Found that CDP was associated with increases in problem behaviors, whereas family influence on problem behaviors was indirect and varied as…

Examined associations between family disruption and adolescent adjustment among African American girls from impoverished urban neighborhoods. Found that more residential moves and parental separations significantly predicted greater adjustment problems. Adolescents' perceptions of current relationships and neighborhoods related to adjustment but…

This article makes the case for early intervention with young children with both developmental and behavioral problems. It cites intervention research that supports the effectiveness of parent management training and the use of applied behavior analysis, but recognizes the need for randomized controlled trials with adequate follow-up and…

A study involving 13 children (ages 3-19) with Fragile X found four had a sleep problem that had been present for more than 2 years in three. Six additional children exhibited various problematic sleep behaviors. Parental reports of a sleep problem were associated with more severe psychopathology and parental stress. (Contains references.)…

A study compared language development and social competence among 96 preschool children with disabilities in inclusive and segregated classes. Pretest ability was the strongest predictor of progress. Subjects in inclusive classes had higher posttest scores in language development and social skills, but more behavior problems, than peers in…

This article discusses the role of families in the functional analysis process. It provides an overview of the functional behavioral assessment (FBA) process, evaluates the conceptual and pragmatic issues surrounding the role of families in functional behavioral assessment, and discusses what roles may be most feasible for families and behavior…

A case study investigated how best to support a 4-year-old with Down syndrome in numeracy instruction. The student demonstrated less inappropriate behavior in a whole class setting, in comparison to individual and group settings. However, he was more successful in his independent attempts at tasks in individual and group settings. (Contains…

A study compared four groups of students with physical disabilities: 53 U.S. integrated students, 14 Czech integrated students, 51 Czech students in special schools, and 66 Czech students in residential special schools. More integrated students reported lower levels of aggression, more positive self-concepts, and more positive views of the world.…

Analysis of data from 51 group homes for people with intellectual disabilities in Wales found variation in staff input was related to residents' challenging behavior, smaller residence size, provider agency, and residents' receipt of attention. Resident activity was related to resident adaptive behavior and receipt of attention but not resource…

A study investigated menstrual discomfort as a factor in severe problem behavior in four women with developmental disabilities and identified as having increased behavior problems at the time of menses. A multicomponent strategy, addressing both biological context and the psychosocial context (task demands), reduced problem behavior to near-zero…

A study examined protective and vulnerability factors in 214 foster children (ages 7-12). Youth and caregivers were interviewed six months following placement and six years later. Several control variables (age, ethnicity, abuse type, and behavior problems) and psychosocial predictor variables (social support and self-perception) were related to…