Twelve tables provide a breakdown of answers to a survey responded to by 48 experts in the psychosocial treatment of psychiatric and behavioral problems in people with mental retardation. Questions address treatment of self-injurious or aggressive behavior, specific psychiatric disorders, specific target symptoms, use of applied behavior analysis…

Results from two studies indicate the nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) clomipramine is more efficacious than the relatively selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desipramine and placebo in children with autism. A study of the selective SRI fluvoxamine found it to be significantly better than placebo for reducing repetitive…

Summarizes current law on the legal responsibilities of day-care centers for special-needs children under Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504. Examines cases involving reasonable modifications for HIV-positive children. Also examines cases determining reasonable accommodation for children with allergic reactions, diabetes,…

A study compared psychological characteristics of 27 Irish adolescents who had sexually abused other youngsters (SA group), 20 controls who had significant behavioral problems but no history of sexually offending (CC group), and 29 normal controls. The psychological adjustment of the SA group was less problematic than the CC group. (Contains…

This article describes a school where problems of defiance and aggression were met with high levels of seclusion and physical restraints. Centennial School had a comprehensive program of interventions designed to reduce and eventually eliminate aversive management strategies. Data on the effectiveness of these interventions is shared and…

Evaluation of a staff training program on aggression management and physical intervention in a Scottish special education school found staff reported increased confidence and use of verbal de-escalation techniques as a result of the training. Physical interventions used mainly low-level techniques. However, stress levels and psychological coping…

The parent of a murdered daughter (who is also an educator) examines student potential for violence and suicide and stresses the importance of early intervention for violence prevention. Teachers are urged to establish meaningful connections with students to identify students who fit the profile of alienation that typifies those who actually…

This study investigated differences in social skills among 203 institutionalized individuals (mean age 43) with severe and profound mental retardation grouped into those exhibiting self-injurious behavior, aggression, both behaviors, or neither behavior. Results indicated that individuals displaying maladaptive behaviors exhibited a restricted…

A follow-up investigation studied bullying among 1,268 Finnish children aged 8 and 12 and measured the persistence of this behavior. Males outnumbered females at both time points among bullies, bully-victims, and victims. Children who were bully-victims were most commonly found to be involved in bullying 4 years later. (Author/CR)

Research using new direct observation procedures to analyze classroom social behavior of children with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) is reviewed. Research indicates teachers seldom provide praise or other forms of potential social reinforcement and that teachers may engage in behavior to escape or avoid social contact with these…

A study of 85 English children (ages 8-13) whose behavior had prompted placement in a school for students with emotional and behavioral disorders found an overall rate of psychiatric disturbance in the group was 86 percent, and, in particular, the rate of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was 70 percent. (Author/CR)

This study investigated the social integration of fifth-grade children with emotional disabilities in the educational setting. Results suggest that children with emotional disabilities benefited from their participation in the school setting. Able children participating in the study also benefited from their interaction with special-needs…

This article explains how to implement "unified discipline" as a school-wide approach to managing problem behavior, an approach designed to support educators in meeting the needs of students with emotional and behavioral problems in general education classrooms by establishing unified attitudes, expectations, correction procedures, and team roles.…

Evaluated internalized and externalized anger in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Results indicated that internalized anger led to depression and feelings of hopelessness and increased chances of suicide attempts. In contrast, externalized anger was related to alcohol-related problems. Thus, different modes of anger expression appear to be…

This study evaluated assessment-based curricular modifications designed to improve the classroom behavior of two elementary school students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Functional assessment data led to individualized modifications of assignments. Evaluation indicated the modifications resulted in reduced problem behavior and increased…