This article introduces a framework to summarize areas of social cognition that affect the ability of students with Asperger syndrome to relate to others. A five-step approach to assessment is reviewed to provide information regarding the nature of students' social cognition and related skills. Informal assessment tools are then described.…

A review of 33 studies in which mainstreamed or included students with deafness were compared to another group found that hearing students were more socially mature than deaf included students, deaf students and their deaf classmates interacted more, and deaf students were somewhat accepted by hearing classmates. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

A survey of 140 parents of Nevada 4-H members found that 4-H programs successfully taught a variety of life skills to youth. Active members learned more about life skills than less active members, although all showed gains. The quality of adult leadership skills and the instructional effectiveness of 4-H competitions and projects were highly…

This article explores a tenable explanation for the research finding that self-modeling is an effective intervention for students with behavior disorders. It was hypothesized that when participants view a change in their behavior, their memories and self-beliefs subsequently change to be in concert with that shown on the edited videotape. (Author)

A study involving six boys (ages 2-9) with autism found the use of naltrexone improved social initiations on videotape samples, social scale of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scales (4 out of 6 improved), stereotypies scale of GARS (5 out of 6 improved), and attention problems (4 out of 6 improved). (Contains references.) (CR)

Describes a successful school and classroom enhancement package specifically designed to prevent the development of serious antisocial behavior in children. Details the critical school-based processes related to the emergence of antisocial behavior that guide the intervention design and some preliminary positive outcome data on program…

A study investigated the use of a peer-delivered social skills instructional package to teach four high schoolers with behavior disorders to express anger appropriately. The instructional package, which combined peer instruction, self-instruction, and a traditional anger control program, was effective in improving the ways that students expressed…

A new computer program designed to teach people with autism spectrum disorders to better recognize and predict emotional responses in others was evaluated with 22 adolescents with autism or Asperger syndrome. Experimental subjects made gains relative to the control group on post-intervention assessment measures. Gains correlated significantly with…

Describes a model for classroom meetings in an elementary school setting. Focuses on enhancing children's communication and problem-solving skills for typical students and those identified through special education. The purpose of the meetings is to provide a nurturing climate for the learning of social skills that the children can use in the…

Presents multiple constructs that play a role in understanding African American preschool children's social competence. Findings support the importance of considering both children's developmental stage and their gender when evaluating aspects of social competence, particularly temperament and interactive peer play abilities. Discusses…

Details the second part of a three-phase study that examined the language and actions children use when being sociable and cooperative with peers through the Social Play Continuum analysis tool. Concludes that the Continuum may be a potential tool for observing, better understanding, and more appropriately intervening in children's play for the…

Surveyed 7th graders at the beginning and end of the school year to examine factors in three domains (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and personal competencies) influencing the increase in alcohol use throughout 7th grade. Factors from all three domains significantly predicted increases in alcohol use. Lack of parental monitoring and perceived ease…

Examined the relationship between quality of adjustment in adolescents and a set of psychiatric diagnoses, personality traits, parental bonding, and social support variables. Through the use of various questionnaires it was found that several variables (e.g. Conduct Disorder and Social Conformity) had a significant role in classifying adolescents…

Suggests that children construe the world as they develop relationships with other individuals. Offers considerations regarding developmental changes marking the first year of life and argues that cognition is framed in public social exchanges and private dialogical thinking. (DLH)

Investigated Japanese and U.S. mothers' descriptions of behavioral characteristics they found most desirable and undesirable in preschool children, noting characteristics they considered most highly positive or negative. Mothers in both cultures emphasized social cooperativeness and interpersonal sensitivity. U.S. mothers were far more likely to…