Since behavioral interventions for challenging behaviors in children with developmental disabilities have limitations in the family setting, this paper presents a theoretical and working model of intervention that integrates contemporary behavioral and systemic orientations. Four stages for intervention are provided, each consisting of practical…

This article presents a rationale for the functional behavioral assessment (FBA) approach to solving behavior problems in the classroom as well as FBA components and applications. The paper notes advantages of FBA as well as legal and ethical reasons for using FBA. A case study illustrates use of FBA within a four-stage decision-making framework.…

This study investigated effects of a positive behavior support plan accompanied by an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention on the reduction of challenging behaviors in four children with moderate and severe mental retardation. Functional assessment was followed by a positive AAC support plan designed by the school team to…

A multidisciplinary team, including representatives from medicine, psychology, and residential living, examined 436 mentally retarded residents' regimen of psychotropic medications, with the goal of finding the least restrictive method of behavior management and lowest drug dosage. Significant reductions in psychotropic drug use were observed,…

The paper discusses approaches designed to reduce, eliminate, or replace unconventional behavior in individuals with severe disabilities. Emphasis is placed on the need to analyze the communicative functions of behavior and to facilitate the development of an individual's communication system. A case example of a four-year-old nonverbal child is…

In response to James Mulick (EC 232 032), this paper encourages agreement in the field of mental retardation on the term "aversive"; new "outcome" standards for behavioral support; support that respects personal dignity; and fidelity of behavioral interventions in typical school and community settings. (DB)

Skill-based social deficits exist in students with learning disabilities when a student has not learned a given skill; performance-based deficits exist when the student possesses a skill but doesn't perform in appropriate circumstances. Interventions for both types of deficit and a strategy to build self-control skills are offered. (DB)

Multiple problem behaviors, stress, and personal resources were assessed over 2 years among 136 mainly black and Hispanic gay and bisexual males, age 14 to 19 years. Problem behaviors were found to be stable over time; the pattern of change in one behavior problem was not related to patterns of change in other problem behaviors. (MDM)

Six behavior analysis graduate students instructed parents with a history of child abuse and neglect in the use of time-out, before and after receiving training in time-out themselves and before and after training in behavioral consultation. Proficiency at administering time-out was insufficient for instructing others in its application; explicit…

Some children who are exposed to cocaine prenatally or in infancy exhibit neurological and behavioral difficulties or developmental delays in preschool. The causes and treatment of aggression in one child in a preschool program who had been prenatally exposed to cocaine is described. (SM)

Introduces conceptual framework for developing positive, nonaversive, behavioral support plans for students with severe disabilities. Notes that framework is comprised of multiple components (alternative skill training, antecedent interventions, lifestyle planning) and offers comprehensive, proactive approach to reduction and prevention of…

When two nonhandicapped peers of an autistic five-year old were trained to initiate social interaction, social interaction increased and then dramatically decreased in a reversal phase, and no decrease in the autistic child's disruptive behaviors was observed. When the autistic child was trained to initiate interaction, social interaction…

Suggests that student problem behaviors are best addressed through instruction; teacher-student interactions are the best arena for teaching social behaviors; and problem behaviors have the same social ends as desirable ones. Outlines steps for analyzing the child's desired outcome of problem behaviors, choosing replacement behaviors, and planning…

The article describes a multifaceted intervention program based on social cognitive theory which was used with six boys, ages six to eight, with antisocial, aggressive tendencies. The intervention addressed cognitive/affective variables, behavioral factors, and environmental conditions. Evaluation indicated the program was effective, and it has…

The study compared the regular classroom behavior and teacher ratings of 17 learning-disabled (LD), 16 low average (LA), and 17 average (AV) children in grades 1-2 in 11 schools before and after LD placement in resource programs. Among findings were no preplacement behavior differences and more LD maladaptive behavior patterns at postplacement.…