Summaries of four studies in child psychology reveal that children's attachment to caregivers depends on physical contact more than food; secure attachment to loving caregivers provides a base from which children explore and learn; children's separation behaviors reveal much about their attachment relationship; and children are born with traits…

This paper describes the drama component of Project Access, a transitional 4-week summer program for students (ages 15 to 18) with disabilities at Howard County Community College (Maryland). Emphasis is on development of self-advocacy skills through a variety of exercises and performance activities. Participating students have demonstrated growth…

This study compared 34 adults who had shown early delays in language (high functioning autism) with 42 similar individuals with no such delays (Asperger Syndrome). No significant differences were found between groups on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), their social outcome ratings or ADI-R scores based on current functioning, or on…

This study compared 29 females with Turner syndrome and 21 females with fragile X syndrome (ages 6-22) on a videotaped role-play interaction with 34 females in a comparison group. Three of eight behavioral measures of social skills differentiated the participant groups. Fragile-X subjects required more time to initiate interactions and Turner…

The "Talking with TJ" teamwork-building series is a video-based program designed to promote social/emotional competence in elementary school children. The program emphasizes group planning, diversity appreciation, and teamwork. Presents data on the program's effectiveness with a sample of high-risk students. Results reveal significant positive…

Evaluated a life skills management program for rural youth delivered via collaboration between education and noneducation agencies. The program was replicated with 10 groups of Tennessee and Missouri youth. Pre- and post-testing of knowledge of life skills management concepts, self-esteem, and social skills indicated the program changed…

A review of 13 studies on social skills training (SST) and learning disabilities found none of the studies included ethnic minority participants exclusively, there were no significant differences in types of SST programs used in studies with and without ethnic minorities, and findings were not reported by ethnicity. (Contains references.) (CR)

The behavior chain interruption strategy was used to teach four students with mental retardation and severe communication disorders the skill of requesting. All students learned requesting with a routine using graphic symbols and generalized these skills to two untaught routines. All also generalized requesting to out-of-routine contexts involving…

This British study evaluated benefits of providing adolescents with Asperger syndrome with social skills training within a youth group setting. Participants maintained excellent attendance at both social skill and youth groups and increased both their social skills and self-confidence. Adult "helpers" reported that youths' support needs…

A two-year postsecondary program in New York City prepares low functioning young adults with learning disabilities for careers in human services such as day care programs and geriatric centers. Students take courses in social skills as well as academic course work and on-the-job training in child care or geriatrics. (DB)

This study of 10 aggressive and 9 nonaggressive preschool boys found that both groups attempted the same repertoire of social goals and used the same social strategies, but with varying relative frequencies. Aggressive children sought to stop or prevent action more often and used intrusive strategies more often than nonaggressive children.…

Discusses a managerial training course which uses concepts from literature to illustrate interpersonal attributes. Describes four activities to aid course participants in developing and applying managerial skills. (RS)

Few administrators fail to become leaders because they lack technical skills. The problem is lack of people skills and inability to exercise good judgment. Administrators can minimize failure by valuing honesty, objectivity, delegation, and feedback and by respecting chain of command and the limitations of power. Other potential pitfalls are…

Two approaches to teaching work-site social behaviors to three youths with mental retardation were examined. Problem-solving training, which involved developing skills in decoding, decision, performance, and evaluation, led to substantial generalization and maintenance of social behaviors in natural work settings. Training based upon role-playing…

Describes a systematic cooperative-based curriculum which enables students to comprehend, utilize, and internalize cooperative behaviors. Students practice specific behavioral strategies and social skills necessary for successful cooperation with others. Sample activities and lessons plans are included. (JD)