This article describes the use of "Ritalin" to calm overactive children. The drug's side effects are reported, and research on the effect of "Ritalin" on reading performance in the classroom is reviewed. It is concluded that use of stimulant drugs to help reading underachievers is not supported by research. (Author/JDD)

The influence of attribution and self-control training on short- and long-term maintenance of strategic behavior, impulsivity, and beliefs about self-efficacy was assessed in 77 underachieving, hyperactive children. Results supported the use of attribution and self control training in treating strategic deficits in hyperactive and learning…

Ten hospitalized autistic children (ages 3-5) received individually regulated dosages of fenfluramine. Decreases of aggressiveness, temper tantrums, hyperactivity, and insomnia were observed at therapeutic doses. Major untoward effects included drowsiness and lethargy. Flexible rather than fixed dosages were recommended since the range of optimal…

Convergent and discriminant validity of the Mental Processing Scales of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) were examined using 51 first-grade children. Results supported the convergent validity of the K-ABC; correlations with reading achievement were fairly large. The discriminant validity received only partial support. (Author)

A review of eight long-term studies on the effects of stimulant drugs on the academic performance of hyperactive and learning disabled children reveals that seven studies confirmed that stimulants do not enhance academic achievement, at least in terms of changing adolescent or adult outcome. (CL)

A review of research comparing behavior therapy with stimulant medication as treatment for hyperactive children is presented. It is concluded that behavior therapy seems to be a reasonable alternative or adjunct to medication for treating the social behavior problems of hyperactive children, although medication is noted to be slightly superior.…

Observed the mother-child interactions of three age groups of hyperactive children (N=54) during free play and task settings using two dose levels of Ritalin. Results indicated that the interactions of hyperactive boys with their mothers improve with age, and that Ritalin produces further improvements regardless of age examined. (LLL)

The present study suggests that parent training alone, or methylphenidate alone, are both sufficient to produce noticeable, clinically significant improvements in behavior of hyperactive children. The research did not show, however, that a combination of treatments is any more effective than either treatment alone. (Author/GC)

Examines relations between observed child behavior, maternal self-ratings of self-esteem and stress, and mothers' behavior in a structured task and an unstructured play situation. Amounts of maternal interaction, control, and nonresponding were significantly correlated both with child's behavior and mother's self-ratings. (CMG)

Available from: Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, 922 Springfield Avenue, Irvington, New Jersey 07111.

This paper examines the problems parents and teachers face when dealing with a hyperactive child. Presented to the St. Amant Elementary Parent Teacher Organization, Louisiana, April 1976. (HMV)

The authors comment on an article by C. Conners et al which reports the findings of a study to examine the relationship between food additives and hyperkinesis in children (6-12 years old). (SBH)

Two hundred twenty-one predominantly adolescent institutionalized retarded residents, classified as hyperactive, were compared on 15 variables to a matched group classified as nonhyperactive. (Author/MC)

It is maintained that two weaknesses of current theories on etiology of learning disabilities are reliance on a single-cause model and assumption of a child's deficit; advanced is the explanation that defensive hyperactivity is a coping device of children who are anxious about forming relationships with others, particularly adults. (MC)