Social Stories[Trademark sign] have gained wide acceptance as an intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), yet extant research provides little empirical evidence in support of their efficacy. This study examines the use of Social Stories to target repetitive tapping behavior displayed by a child with ASD, moderate…

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurobiological disorder marked by a wide range of involuntary motor and vocal movements and sounds called "tics" (American Psychiatric Association, APA, 2000). This syndrome is frequently misunderstood and difficult to diagnose (Chamberlain, 2003). Recent television shows featuring the topic of TS such as "The Oprah…

Learned helplessness is an insidious condition involving undeveloped executive functioning, lack of persistence, and an undeveloped sense of connecting new words or concepts into a web of meanings. Remedial teaching in most small-group, diagnostic/prescriptive settings encourages continued learned helplessness because students are dependent on the…

Eight language approaches in education of the hearing impaired are reviewed: language stories and drills, Fitzgerald Key, the natural approach, patterning, programed instruction, behavior modification, linguistic programs, and developmentally based programs. An approach is proposed that focuses on functional conversational skills, facilitative…

Provides an overview of Kohlberg's five stages of moral reasoning and Damon's levels of positive justice. Argues that a conditioning approach to moral development is inadequate, suggesting teaching methods for facilitating moral development based on helping children understand principles and reasons. (RH)

Discusses the adaptation of music teaching methods and classroom environments for mainstreamed special students. Teachers must identify handicapped students, establish individualized goals for them, and modify the classroom, class activities, and teaching techniques to meet their special needs. The discussion includes the use of behavior…

A four-step process for the development of a system for the management of classroom behavior is presented. (PHR)

This article describes Behavioral Risk Management (BRM), a community-based, wrap-around model, that incorporates both internal and external management strategies to meet the unique needs of adolescent and adult males with developmental disabilities who exhibit inappropriate or offensive sexual behaviors. Key components of BRM are discussed, along…

Four alternative strategies to enhance learning-disabled students' learning and improve their self-concept include creative writing, peer tutoring, creative teaching, and behavior modification. (DB)

Addresses training issues in behavior therapy, identifying methods and skills considered most important for affecting change in client behavior and reviewing progress made in demonstrating that these skills can be taught effectively. Discusses decision making skills used to identify problems, select appropriate interventions, and evaluate client…

Describes a training program to improve graduate psychology students' seminar presentation skills. Outlines the behavior modeling and interviews with professors used in the training. Concludes that the project was evaluated favorably by professors in other courses where students made presentations and by the students themselves. (CFR)

For decades, scholars have worked to understand the precise manner in which messages affect attitudes and ultimately behaviors. The dominant paradigm suggests that there are two methods or routes to attitude change, one based on careful consideration of the messages and the other based on simple decision rules, often referred to as heuristics…

We describe a training program to teach applied behavior analysis (ABA) knowledge competencies to paraprofessional staff (N = 47) at a habilitation services agency for adults with developmental disabilities. Before and following training, staff completed assessment of knowledge tests for three content areas: basic learning principles,…

The Support Group Method (SGM), formerly the No Blame Approach, is widely used as an anti-bullying intervention in schools, but has aroused some controversy. There is little evidence from users regarding its effectiveness. We aimed to ascertain the use of and support for the SGM in Local Authorities (LAs) and schools; and obtain ratings of…

An increasing need exists in the field of early intervention for effective approaches to address challenging behavior in early childhood settings. This need is driven by the growing number of preschool children reported to have challenging behavior and the increasing knowledge base about the long-term outcomes for children who engage in problem…