Introduction: The purpose of this study was to decrease the number of talk-outs displayed with a 3rd grade student with autism. She engaged in these behaviors during work time, specialty classes such as physical education, music and library, and group work. Method: A multiple baseline probe design was used to measure the effectiveness of…

Outlines both broad and specific treatment issues concerning elective mute children. A group treatment modality is presented, and its successes, limitations, and failures are noted with recommendations for avoiding pitfalls in treatment. Issues of cooperation with schools, families, and community organizations are also addressed. (JAC)

Reviews the types of elective mutism and proposes common characteristics of elective mutists' families. Examines the potential for a redefinition of the term "elective mutism." Concludes that family dynamics are an integral part of the problem and need to be considered in a comprehensive treatment plan. (BH)

Provides details of a response cost procedure to eliminate a nine-year old's public masturbatory behavior. Treatment was based on a procedure used by Pianta and Hudson and it incorporated the mother's and daughter's interest in art activities. Treatment reduced undesired behavior while increasing desired academic and social behaviors. (RJM)

Children with Attentional Deficit Disorder (ADD) are characterized by chronic inattention and impulsivity. There recently has been an increased interest in treatment regimens which attempt to alter ADD children's learning and behavioral styles by focusing on cognition and directly observable behaviors. A study was undertaken to evaluate a…

Examined the effects of daily report cards designed to increase the completion and accuracy of in-class assignments in two youngsters described as having a behavioral history of difficulty in completing seat work. Use of the procedure produced immediate significant changes in rates of both completion and accuracy. (Author)

Evaluates whether time-in alone (physical touch and verbal praise) versus the combined use of time-in and time-out was a more effective treatment for noncompliance with three developmentally disabled children. Results show that although time-in alone resulted in increased compliance, the time-in/time-out combined phase resulted in further…

Demonstrates an alternative method (nondirective child-centered therapy) in treating enuresis and encopresis resulting from emotional disturbances. Examines various etiologies and approaches to treating these conditions. Provides a case study example. Claims that professionals must differentiate between primary and secondary occurrences of these…

Evaluated separate and combined effects of behavior modification and two doses of methylphenidate compared with baseline on classroom behavior and academic performance of 31 attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) boys. Found significant effects of both interventions, with mean effect size of medication being more than twice as great as…

This commentary discusses the successful partnership between the parents and the school in addressing the challenging behaviors of a 9-year-old boy with severe disabilities. Stages of the successful partnership and characteristics of behavior support plans that have good contextual fit are described. (Author/CR)

Playful wrestling, splashing, fidgeting, chair-tilting, and a number of other behaviors by children often result in injuries, tantrums, or conflicts in families. Exact limits can be established in these instances with an intervention which integrates strategic, structural, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Two case examples are presented and…

Presents a workable plan for all counselors who wish to establish cooperation and collaboration between parents and teachers concerning children's problems that involve achievement and misbehavior. A basic outline of how to implement a home-school token economy plan is presented with two case examples illustrating its use and effectiveness.…

Reports a follow-up of a behavioral self-control treatment of children's severe night fears. All but one of 40 children and their families significantly reduced or overcame night fears in a three-week training program. After three years, 31 of 34 families located had maintained improvement. (JAC)

Evaluates the effectiveness of a peer intervention for disruptive behavior which was based on the results of a classroom-based functional analysis. Results indicate that peer attention, rather than teacher attention or escape/timeout, was associated with the most disruptive classroom behavior, suggesting that peer attention can reduce such…

Argues against the use of rewards for students. Discusses their origin in Skinner's behaviorism and their application in behavior modification in the classroom. Describes the problems with using rewards, as noted by Alfie Kohn and others, including the erosion of intrinsic motivation and the distortion of the focus of learning. Presents…