Available from: Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Child Study Center, 1100 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117.

The efficacy of the serotonin uptake inhibitor clomipramine in treatment of self-injurious behavior (SIB) was tested using a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial in eight adults with severe/profound mental retardation. Clomipramine treatment was associated with significant improvement in the frequency of SIB, SIB intensity, and…

This case study applied functional assessment methods to problem behavior of an adult male with severe mental retardation within the natural home setting. The problem behaviors did not occur when the subject was able to participate in a more preferred activity regardless of whether he chose the day activity program or it was chosen for him. (DB)

Offers a six-step procedure for developing and implementing a response cost system for changing problem classroom behaviors of students with learning disabilities. Steps described are establishing classroom rules, rewarding compliance, selecting reinforcers, reducing noncompliance through response cost consequences, following through on…

Presents a bibliography of 59 books, journal articles, and web sites for further reading on preventing and responding to children's challenging behaviors. (SD)

Describes the Graduated Reinforcement System, a simplifed token system that involves establishing a partnership with parents and students, identifying target behaviors, planning for record keeping, tallying daily/weekly points, designating the graduated reinforcement criteria, determining reinforcers for the three levels, awarding the reinforcer,…

The article reviewed research on professionals', consumers', and others' judgments of the restrictiveness, social acceptability, and estimated frequency of use of procedures to decrease problem behaviors of disabled persons. Most respondents agreed that more restrictive procedures should be used as a last resort and that less restrictive…

Mexican mothers (n=105) responded to a questionnaire measuring their beliefs concerning the "corrective effects of punishment." A six-item scale measuring such beliefs was developed, its reliability assessed, and its validity tested using a factor analytic structural equations model. Mothers reported as abusing their children produced…

This study compared guided compliance versus time out as a method of promoting child adherence to adult requests. Time out effected larger increases in percentage compliance among four of five participating children (ages three to six years) with mild developmental disabilities. (Author/DB)

Examined effectiveness of regular classroom teachers as mediators for behavior change in regular classroom settings. Findings from 59 first and second graders in experimental and control groups revealed that in-class behavior change was significantly greater for experimental condition than for control condition; although behavior change from first…

An effective intervention program which used a CREFT (child relationship enhancement family therapy) approach for changing problematic child behaviors is described. The approach features child-centered play therapy and employment of parents as primary change agents, and provides parents with the understanding and skills to facilitate behavioral…

Describes application of Mental Research Institute brief therapy model for working with school children who either do not want to change or feel they cannot change their problematic behavior. Describes assumptions which undergird this approach along with specific working procedures. (Author/ABL)

This article offers suggestions for addressing behavioral infractions by students with disabilities in inclusive classroom settings. Ten questions are offered to help analyze situations that foster disruptive behavior and assist in the selection of appropriate behavior-reduction strategies. (DB)

A study compared the effects of extinction (EXT) and fixed-time (FT) schedules as treatment for the severe problem behaviors of three individuals with developmental disabilities. During EXT, the reinforcer maintaining problem behavior was withheld. During FT, the reinforcers were presented response independently at preset intervals. FT schedules…

Discusses the "communication hypothesis" of problem behavior and describes methods for determining the communicative functions served by problem behavior. Reports on application of functional assessment and functional communication training with toddlers. (DB)