This study examined effect of initial differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) intervals on disruptive behavior of nine students with moderate disabilities. Results indicate initial DRO value equal to the mean number of intervals between responses in baseline was much more effective than a value twice that size. (Author/PB)

Discusses five myths associated with parents' giving praise or positive feedback to their children. Myths are children thrive on praise; praise increases a child's self-confidence; lavish praise is not addictive; praise motivates children; and parents should practice withholding praise to toughen up children. (BB)

Since camp counselors become surrogate parents, they can benefit from learning parenting skills. Parenting styles, relationship building, cabin rules, compliance, positive reinforcement, and discipline are discussed. A sidebar describes a structured time-out program for strong-willed children ages 4-11, and a disagreement program that teaches…

A study compared the effects of two treatments, noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) and sensory extinction, on the self-injurious behavior (SIB) exhibited by three adults with developmental disabilities. Results indicated that both procedures were effective in reducing SIB, although NCR was associated with either more rapid or greater overall…

A study examined the effects of reinforcement contingencies designed to increase the performance of existing reading skills in three boys (age 9) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results showed that a combination of contingencies, modeling, and practice was effective in producing substantial increases in oral reading fluency for all…

Social skills priming was used to increase the spontaneous social initiations of two socially withdrawn preschoolers, a 6-year-old boy with autism and a 2-year-old boy. During priming sessions, a teacher prompted and reinforced social behaviors. Spontaneous initiations were more frequent after high rates of reinforcement than after low…

Examines the lessons taught by physical punishment in education and childbearing. Discusses education and religious beliefs that have long supported corporal punishment. Details the lessons instilled by spanking, the historical myth that spanking was practiced by all ancestors, and some alternatives to spanking, such as hugs. (RJM)

This study applied functional behavioral analysis to the destructive behaviors of two young boys with multiple disabilities including behavior disorders. Results suggested that the subjects' destructive behaviors were sensitive to both escape and attention as reinforcers. Results support the importance of establishing operations in determining the…

The efficacy of noncontingent reinforcement with variable-time (VT) schedules was evaluated by comparing the effects of VT and fixed-time (FT) reinforcement schedules with two individuals with moderate to severe mental retardation and severe behavior problems. Both VT and FT schedules were effective in reducing problem behavior. (Contains…

Two studies involving five students (ages 9-17) with autism found that stereotypy was multiply determined or occurred across all assessment conditions (attention, demand, no-attention, and recreation conditions) and that the presumed association between response topography and behavioral function may be less important than previously realized.…

Analysis of the effects of a short break contingent on completed work with a 10-year-old boy with autism and profound mental retardation found the 20-second break increased responding more than a positive reinforcer did, and the reinforcing effects of a 20-second break were affected by the availability of positive reinforcers during the break. (DB)

Focuses on I Like Me! program that promotes emotional health in children through self-concept. Notes two components of self-concept, self-efficacy and self-esteem, are developed at home from ages 2 through 6. Twelve-week program originally developed for kindergarten by Kindergartners Count strengthens self-concept through literacy and attitude…

Four middle schoolers with learning disabilities were taught to recruit teacher attention while they worked on assignments in two inclusive classrooms. The students were taught to show their work to teachers two or three times per session for feedback. Training increased their rate of teacher praise, instructional feedback, and accuracy.…

Twenty academic and curriculum strategies are presented to proactively address the social and academic strengths of students with attention problems in general education classrooms, including: using teacher collaboration, using a more global learning style, incorporating peer involvement, modifying seating arrangements, incorporating picture…

The effects of combining positive behavior supports and person-centered planning on the problem behavior and general education participation of three students (ages 6-8) were examined. Two of the students increased or maintained high levels of general education participation and showed decreases in problem behavior. (Contains references.)…