Commonly used in research settings, noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) is a function-based intervention for decreasing challenging behaviors (Carr, Severtson, & Lepper, 2009). Function-based interventions effectively change behavior through detailed analysis of why the behavior occurs (Lane, Kalberg, & Shepcaro, 2009). Practitioners…

This study investigated the effects of varying opportunities to respond when using a behavior management program with three elementary school students with developmental disabilities in a small group special education setting. These students exhibited both academic and behavioral difficulties. With the implementation of Class-Wide Function-Related…

Classroom behavior is a source of anxiety, stress, and distraction for many teachers and is a key reason teachers give for leaving the profession. This often raises questions regarding the extent to which teacher preparation programs and initial teaching placements prepare pre-service teachers for working with students who display challenging…

The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)--a group of developmental disabilities that cause severe problems with socialization, behavior, and communication--continues to grow. In 2008, the year that "Odyssey" focused on autism, the estimated prevalence of ASD for hearing children was 1 in 150 (CDC, 2007), while today estimates suggest…

One of the most problematic behaviors in children with developmental disabilities is noncompliance. Although behavioral research has provided strategies to impact noncompliance, oftentimes the methodologies are consequent techniques, which may not be conducive to implementation by the classroom teacher. In this teacher-designed and implemented…

Exposure to alcohol in utero is considered to be the leading cause of developmental disabilities of known etiology. The most severe consequence of such exposure, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), is characterized by a distinct constellation of characteristic facial anomalies, growth retardation, and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Some…

This study sought to examine the structure and consistency of perceptions of behavior deceleration procedures within populations, provide a preliminary "index" of acceptability, determine if these procedures can be categorized into meaningful groups, and examine the consistency of perceptions across populations. Subjects were 20…

The study assessed the effects of a negative practice contingency plus DRO on the self-stimulatory hand-clapping of three developmentally disabled students, aged 6-9. The procedure was effective in suppressing the behavior, and follow-up observations showed that the occurrence of hand-clapping continued to be low. (Author/JDD)

The study examined effects of a combined teacher-parent behavior management program focusing on inappropriate behaviors in the school and homes of five preschool children with developmental and/or language delays, behavior disorders, and/or multiple handicaps. A special education teacher/trainer collaborated with parents to select target behaviors…

This booklet was developed to help in the design and implementation of self-management systems for elementary-classroom students with developmental disabilities. Self-management components addressed in the booklet are self-monitoring, self-evaluation, and self-reinforcement. Chapters provide: (1) the definitions and rationale for teaching…

Reports findings of a study which surveyed and interviewed teachers (N=16) of students with Fragile X Syndrome attending special schools in the United Kingdom. Data reported include activities liked and disliked by these pupils, effect of time of day on pupil behavior, classroom environment and organization, prevention of behavior problems, and…

The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) suggests that the general education setting is the most appropriate placement for all students with disabilities based on its mandate for the least restrictive environment. Because many children with disabilities have historically been educated in self-contained…

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a developmental disability marked by impairments in verbal and nonverbal communication, socialization, and behavior. This article provides an introduction to the difficulties experienced by students with AS and six strategies that can be easily implemented by teachers or parents to help students acquire the skills needed…