A study used the Assessment of Basic Learning Abilities to assess the abilities of three adults with mental retardation in order to reduce aberrant behavior. There was a higher frequency of aberrant responses during training sessions with training tasks above or below a participant's assessment level on the test. (Contains references.) (CR)

Notes that significant changes were found in both conduct problem and emotional disturbance scales, indicating improvement for both modalities over a nine month period. No differences in improvement were noted between males and females. The Differential Test of Conduct and Emotional Problems was established as a justified treatment evaluation…

This article presents three foundational precises and techniques for managing resistance that merge context, function, and adaptation. Techniques described include scrambling the routine, making resistance inconvenient, using paradoxical directives, embedding instructions, building behavioral momentum by making high-probability requests before…

This article examines exclusionary discipline practices and their impact on African American students. Culturally responsive instructional and management strategies are identified that can mitigate school suspensions and expulsions of African American children and youth. (Contains extensive references.) (Author)

A therapeutic board game was devised in order to generate discussion and to dispute irrational thinking in 10 children (age 10) with behavior problems. The pupils responded positively to rational-emotive behavior therapy, and teachers found that the cards used in the game provided a framework for discussion and self-help strategies. (Contains…

Presents author's perspective on the challenging behavior of her son, theorizing about that behavior while drawing on research into temperament. Outlines history of "attention and behavior problems," culminating in most recent work on neuropsychological factors. Considers ways various approaches assign blame for "problems" to…

A study of 64 single-subject studies examined effectiveness of social skills intervention with students with emotional or behavioral problems. The results of quantitative synthesis procedures that use a percentage of nonoverlapping data suggest that skills interventions had limited empirical support for their overall effectiveness. Implications…

Examines the incidence of psychopathy among an alcoholic-offender population (N=128) and compares psychopathic and non-psychopathic alcoholics in relation to childhood history, demographics, alcohol dependence, violence, and suicide. Results indicate that 20% of offenders could be classified as psychopaths. These persons were more alcohol…

Discusses the potential uses of psychopharmarcologic therapy with students who are diagnosed with autism, Tourette syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorders and who display learning, emotional, or behavioral disorders. Explores the possible benefits and known negative side effects associated with 10 classes of drugs used for such treatment.…

A study involving a 12-year-old boy with autism, Fragile X syndrome, and intermittent explosive disorder, analyzed the effects of social stories in reducing precursors to tantrum behavior during morning work time and lunchtime. Results indicated a decrease in precursors to tantrums when the social stories were available to the student. (Author/CR)

Examines the extent to which children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) need family-centered interventions. Provides an overview of ODD, highlighting interventions found to be most effective in working with this population of children. Relative to recommended practices, notes the need for family-centered practice and the resulting…

This program describes a program at one Minnesota elementary school that works to optimally include 32 students with emotional and behavioral disorders. The three special classes involve increasing amounts of time spent in mainstream settings with decreasing amounts of additional support. Key program characteristics include philosophy, goals,…

A national survey of 243 community agencies evaluated services provided for individuals with developmental disabilities who exhibit high-risk sexual behaviors and identified issues and service gaps. Common offenses were sexual behavior in public situations, inappropriate involvement of others, and involvement of minors. Major issues and problems…

A look back at educational programs for students with emotional and behavioral disorders notes beginnings in Minnesota, an early (1960) incidence survey, development of the special education profession, and inclusion of socially maladjusted and/or conduct-disordered behavior. Future issues include increasing mistrust of socially sanctioned…

This article raises four issues in the education of students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders. These are: (1) misidentification, (2) diagnostic omission of comorbidity, (3) psychopharmacologic under treatment, and (4) misunderstanding of developmental psychopathology. (Contains references.) (DB)