A cluster analytic study was conducted to derive behaviorally homogeneous subtypes of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) based on a range of behavioral symptoms that characterize autism. Analysis of data on 34 children with PDD, 27 of whom met criteria for autism, indicated 4 distinct groups differing on independent measures of social,…

This study examined social problem-solving motivations and abilities, concurrent levels and types of distress, and personal problems among 688 high school students. Surveys of student stress and problem solving indicated that as problem-solving scores increased, distress and personal problems decreased. Negative attitudes greatly influenced…

Examined whether peer-rejected preadolescents differ from nonrejected groups (average, popular, neglected) in their explanations for peer-social events and their perceived control of outcomes. Found that rejected children were inclined to forego credit for acceptance, to ascribe rejection to persistent factors, and to perceive lower control of…

This brief article on emotional development of gifted students identifies key intrapersonal and interpersonal skills including self-awareness; the ability to regulate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors; self-acceptance; the ability to desire and demonstrate basic social skills; the ability to respond to the needs of others; and the ability to…

This study used an ABAB design to determine if a peer buddy approach in which kindergarten students were trained to interact in dyads would increased non-adult direct interactions. Data collected on the two kindergarten students with autism indicate the peer buddy approach significantly increased their appropriate social interactions. (Contains…

Superintendents can protect themselves from the toxic effects of leadership seduction by monitoring their communication with colleagues and constituents; seeking balance in their personal, professional, and spiritual life; working on what matters; focusing on relationships; learning from adversity; and monitoring their effectiveness. (MLH)

This study examined the relation of learning disabilities (LD) and gender with emotional intelligence (as measured by the Emotional Quotient Inventory) in 128 college students. Analyses indicated significant differences between students with and without LD on stress management and adaptability, between men and women students on interpersonal…

Describes the skills needed by teachers to work effectively with parents. Explains the use of active listening, "I" messages, correct diagnosis of problems, and synergistic problem-solving. Asserts that as these tools become part of a teacher's repertoire of skills, they begin to feel natural and teachers become proficient and…

This article discusses research findings in increasing language skills in children with autism, assessing and teaching precursors relating to positive outcome, the importance of family involvement in intervention, best practices for communicative interventions, interrelationships between language and other autistic behaviors, and the social and…

Describes an adventure-therapy program run by Woodswomen in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Corrections, designed to help women offenders learn new skills and ways of being that will help them stay out of jail. Discusses leadership considerations, a parallel program for their children, and the application of risk-taking skills for…

Examined data from NICHD study to determine relationship of children's child care experience to peer competence at 24 and 36 months, after controlling for effects of family and child characteristics. Found consistent, modest relations between early child-care experiences and peer competencies. Maternal sensitivity and children's cognitive and…

Explored in two studies disparities between how students with different degrees of extroversion and introversion engaged in small-group discussions requiring construction and critique of arguments. Found that extroverted students exhibited a greater tendency to use conflictual discourse, whereas introverted students worked with one another…

Study assessed the role of children's aggression and three indices of social competence (peer-preferred behaviors, teacher-preferred behaviors, school adjustment) in students' perceived relationships with their teachers among elementary school students. Poor school adjustment, particularly for boys, was associated with more negatively perceived…

Investigates relationships among a diverse sample of elementary students' social skills, problem behaviors, academic competence, and academic achievement. Results indicate that social skills are positively predictive of concurrent levels of academic achievement and problem behaviors are negatively predictive of concurrent academic achievement.…

Examines the acceptability and effectiveness ratings of three psychosocial interventions for childhood depression among school psychologist practitioners. Interventions included cognitive restructuring, self-control therapy, and social skills training. Cognitive restructuring and self-control therapy were rated as significantly more acceptable and…