The fundamental intent of special education is to provide instruction to meet each child's unique needs. "Life Journey through Autism: Navigating the Special Education System" offers information, tools, and tips that will help parents become an even more effective advocate for their children. Many teachers, administrators, and school…

Research has demonstrated a strong positive correlation between behavior problems and low academic achievement. Student success and/or failures are in large part determined by how well teachers provide effective instruction to their students. This article overviews key behavior-management approaches related to academic and behavioral success that…

As any parent of a child with autism knows, your life changes and you take on new roles after your child receives a diagnosis of autism. Ready or not, you are now expected to be an expert on interventions, support professionals, and special education. Suddenly, your concerns and worries are different from the parents around you. While they may be…

The study examined the effectiveness of strategies and instructional interventions used in the regular classroom setting in one California school district (1984-85) before students were referred to special education. Findings of a survey of 61 teachers from 41 schools indicated that the three most frequently applied strategies were individualized…

This article examines recent rulings in litigation pertaining to the education of children with autism, including cases addressing the following issues: appropriate educational placement, extended school year services, the use of aversive contingencies to control behavior, and the use of facilitated communication and other forms of augmented…

Representative adaptations currently being used to educate exceptional children are described and their effectiveness is weighed. Diagnostic-prescriptive teaching, behavioral modification techniques, lesson content modifications, and early intervention are considered, as are student placement options, such as special schools and classes and…

The literature review addresses the assessment, placement, treatment, and employment rights of the handicapped in relation to their implications for teachers, administrators, and university personnel. Assessment is considered in terms of eligibility criteria/definitions of handicapping conditions, responsibility for assessment, fair and…

This collection of papers describes the interagency collaboration of Georgia agencies that serve students with emotional and behavior disorders (EBD). The first paper, "Overview and State Perspective" (P. Paulette Bragg and Phillip H. Pickens), describes the problems facing Georgia by placing students with EBD in state hospitals, private…

This handbook provides information on various techniques and strategies that can reduce excessive behaviors and improve deficit behaviors in children with autism. Chapter 1 gives an overview of autism and discusses the development of social skills and play skills in individuals with high-functioning autism. The characteristics of children with…

This study followed up on 19 children (ages 9-19) with autism who had received a very intensive behavioral preschool intervention. Results showed that the experimental group preserved their gains in regular class placement, in intelligence quotient, and in adaptive behavior. (JDD)

The guide is intended as an information resource for school counselors in their interactions with emotionally handicapped (EH) students and their teachers. Following a definition of EH students, the first of seven brief chapters uses a question-and-answer format to discuss the counselor's role in student assessment and the individualized education…

This technical assistance document is intended to offer Oregon districts and agencies guidance in understanding and implementing the regulations dealing with behavioral supports, interventions, and disciplinary actions for students with disabilities who are eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It is comprised of…

This Digest discusses provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that require functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and behavioral intervention plans (BIPs) to be conducted prior to a change in placement or suspension for more than 10 days, based on inappropriate behaviors for students with disabilities. It presents…

This guidebook is designed to assist Colorado school and agency professionals in the identification of students with emotional disabilities and in the development and implementation of services for such students with emotional disabilities. Following an introductory chapter, chapter 2 discusses federal and state law governing the identification…

The purposes of the study were to: (1) identify the issues addressed at the due process hearings in this southeastern state, and (2) examine the implications for educators. Due process hearing decisions rendered since 1994, a total of 31 were reviewed. Results of the study showed that student placement was the most common issue for which a due…