Young children with hyperactive and disruptive behavior problems have a variety of risk factors, including environmental, constitutional/maturational, and interactional concerns. Following a description of general principles of intervention, three case studies illustrate use of the "Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental…

This study assessed child-rearing practices and attitudes of Australian parents of 27 children (ages 7-11) with hyperactivity, hyperactivity-aggression, or no disability. Results found that the mothers of children with hyperactivity were using more consequences (time-out, reasoning, etc.) than comparison mothers, whereas the fathers reported…

A study involving 106 gifted children and 71 typical children (ages 6-9) evaluated the correlation between intelligence and performance on the Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A). Results found gifted children with ADHD performed better on tasks of omission error, commission error, and response sensitivity than typical children with ADHD.…

Administered temporal order judgment and discrimination tasks to children with reading disabilities (RD), with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, with both disorders, or with neither. Found that RD children showed no specific sensitivity to the interstimulus interval and performed worse than non-RD children on speech but not nonspeech…

Study evaluated effects of traditional recess on subsequent classroom behavior of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Results showed that levels of inappropriate behavior were consistently higher on days when participants did not have recess. Optimal recess period(s) may potentially promote academic achievement by…

Presents a study that utilized a new measure of response inhibition and attention with a sample of boys (n=50) diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a control group of age-matched boys (n=50). Reveals that the ADHD boys performed more poorly than the control boys. Includes references. (CMK)

A literature review found behavioral side effects occurred for 13% of 446 individuals with mental retardation who were prescribed benzodiazepine for either behavioral or psychiatric conditions (n=138, 17.4%), epilepsy (n=20, 15.4%), or other medical conditions such as myoclonus or cerebral palsy (n=100, 2%). Implications of nonrecognition are…

Compared 64 learning-disabled, 46 low-achieving, and 40 average elementary-age boys on teacher ratings of hyperactivity and self-control. Found significant group differences in both areas. Learning-disabled and low-achievement groups differed significantly from average group in social-behavioral competence, with no significant difference between…

Despite clear evidence of decrements in performance over time coupled with a substantially greater perceptual sensitivity deficit in 10 hyperactive children compared to controls, the hyperactive group demonstrated no greater performance deficit with time on task. Results failed to support the hypothesis of a sustained attention deficit in…

Evaluated impact of methylphenidate on social behavior in 25 boys with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Compared children given placebo, low, and moderate dosages of methylphenidate and 15 boys without problems in attention and behavior during naturalistic summer research program. Medication decreased noncompliance and physical and…

Thirty-two primary school children were evaluated on their problem-solving ability and attention level, immediately following either an aerobic exercise or a passive activity. Results indicated that physical activity of moderate intensity enhanced problem-solving performance; the two hyperactive children improved their ability to stay on task,…

A study found that parents of 51 boys (aged 5-13) with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity perceived their family environment as less supportive and more stressful than control groups, with lower levels of interpersonal relationships, more depression, and higher separation/divorce rates. Differences were found in mothers' and fathers'…

Parents (n=110) of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) completed a survey asking about demographics; developmental history; and parental perspectives regarding ADHD symptomology, identification, and treatment. Discusses implications of the results for school counselors. (JPS)

Evaluates the impact of self-management procedures on attention to task and reading comprehension of elementary-age students. The overall outcomes indicate substantial increases in on-task behavior during the self-management phases, and academic accuracy in reading comprehension also improved for all subjects. (JPS)

Past and current research on the effects of foods ingested and food allergies on hyperactivity and other behavior problems are examined in this article. It is argued that evidence supporting a link between diet and behavior is lacking. Methods for correcting widespread public misconceptions on this subject are also discussed. (Author/PB)