Social development of students with disabilities is examined from a developmental synthesis perspective. Issues in the social skills deficit framework are also discussed, along with formation of classroom social networks and their role in behavior development. Social interventions should focus on both the classroom social network and the…

Studies the effectiveness of a token economy on specific inappropriate social behaviors of three first grade students. Suggests that token economy systems can be very effective in decreasing disruptive behaviors of primary aged students. (MG)

Examines strategies adults use to provide the developing child with increased responsibility for controlling his or her behavior. Teachers at a day care center used informative strategies with three- and five--year-olds, but did not use strategies that inhibit behaviors with five-year-olds. (Author/BB)

The communicative behavior of five hearing-impaired children, aged two-three, and five hearing subjects was analyzed. Results showed that the quantity of communication demonstrated by the hearing-impaired children paralleled the quantity of communication observed in hearing peers when nonverbal communication acts, particularly gaze and gesture,…

Following a brief outline of vitamin therapy's effects on schizophrenia and learning disabilities, research is reviewed on vitamin therapy for children with Down's Syndrome, concluding with a discussion of critical responses to research endorsing vitamin therapy. It is concluded that vitamin therapy contributes nothing to the development of…

Ways to promote generalization of social skills of students with learning disabilities (LD) are considered. Approaches include: sequential modification, introducing naturally maintaining contingencies, training sufficient exemplars, training across settings, training loosely, using indiscriminable contingencies, programming common stimuli, and…

Examined the spontaneous pretend play of mothers and children from the inception of pretend play in late infancy through its elaboration during the preschool years. Suggests that although mothers and young children had different primary motives for initiating pretend play, they both capitalized upon the others' interests in, or support of, pretend…

Considers the bases of criticism of parent report as an index of their children's behavioral development and ways in which problems associated with parent report were addressed in the construction of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories (CDIs). Examines the nature of responses elicited from parents as they complete the CDIs. (BC)

Two children with autism, aged 10, were exposed to peer-implemented pivotal response training (PRT). Typical peers implemented PRT strategies by modeling, role playing, and didactic instruction. Both children with autism maintained prolonged interactions with the peer, initiated play and conversations, and increased engagement in language and…

Seventy-five 4-, 6-, and 8-year olds participated in a study examining the relationship between children's awareness and use of strategies for self-control. Knowledge of strategies was more highly correlated with process than with performance, and the relationship between knowledge about strategies and actual performance increased with age. (AA)

Studied the effect of short-term exposure to neutral, prosocial, and antisocial toys on the prosocial and antisocial behavior of preschool children. Found that prosocial toys elicited prosocial behavior and antisocial toys stimulated antisocial behavior. In response to both prosocial and antisocial toys, boys displayed more physical than verbal…

Reviews research on infants classified by Ainsworth's "Strange Situation" assessment as insecure/ambivalent, and examines studies exploring attachment theory beyond infancy. Presents a theoretical discussion of the ways in which patterns of mother and child behaviors associated with the insecure/ambivalent pattern may work together to…

Adults from the pre- and posttelevision eras were surveyed to determine whether the superhero that today's preschoolers dramatize in their play is qualitatively different from those of past childhoods. Results revealed significant changes in early childhood in heroes or play themes since the advent of television, but no significant change in…

This article reviews literature on the behavior of deaf adolescents; pinpoints problems in students' lack of social skills, decision making, and lack of goal orientation; and offers guidelines for teaching values in tandem with decision-making skills. Six sample lessons are briefly outlined, on defining problems, predicting consequences,…

Presents the behavioral diversity "win-win" model that teaches individuals to discover powerful insights about themselves and others. Providing a clearer understanding of the unique characteristics of individuals, the model also provides a basis for comprehending the behavior of others, enabling people to achieve positive outcomes from…