This study used a data-based assessment to identify reinforcers and punishers for successful treatment of two children with severe destructive behaviors. Results suggested that empirically derived consequences may be useful in decreasing destructive behavior when a functional assessment is inconclusive or suggests that internal stimuli are…

This article suggests ways in which special educators of students with emotional and behavioral disorders can introduce puppets into their classrooms as educational and therapeutic instruments. Puppets are able to help students identify problems and find rational solutions in a nonthreatening situation. Two sample applications are included. (DB)

Outlines characteristics of sex offenders, including family and school histories, sexual attitudes, social skills and relationships, delinquent behaviors, psychiatric diagnoses, and cognitive distortions based on mythical beliefs. Treatment requires correction of thinking errors and promotion of accountability, empathy, education, morality,…

This paper addresses the disproportionate number of males in programs for students with emotional and behavioral disorders--estimates of 3:1 and 6:1 are cited. It suggests that a combination of physiological differences between boys and girls and specific educational and environmental effects are plausible contributing factors. (DB)

This study examined the relationship between scores on the Behaviour Disorder Scale (BDS) and other assessments of challenging behavior in 100 adolescent and adult Australians with intellectual disabilities. The study found that the BDS was reliable and could be used to identify people with intellectual disabilities who exhibit behavioral…

A student (age 15) classified as behaviorally disordered tutored a student with learning disabilities. The peer tutoring brought about improvements in the tutee's on-task and academic performance but not in the tutor's disruptive behavior. Self-monitoring and a self-instructional component were then implemented to eliminate the tutor's disruptive…

This article summarizes recent research into incidence of speech and language disorders in behaviorally handicapped children. Issues facing clinicians working with these children are discussed, including speech-language objectives and techniques, appropriate behavior management techniques, and consultation with other professionals. (Author/PB)

Investigated prosocial behaviors (i.e., helping, sharing) of 37 nonhandicapped and handicapped adolescents in public schools. Found that adolescents with handicaps displayed more prosocial behavior than did nonhandicapped; however, nonhandicapped adolescents perceived themselves as engaging more in prosocial behavior than did handicapped peers.…

The Walker/Severson Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders measure was revised for use with preschool children. The revision consists of three hierarchical stages of increasingly time-consuming methodologies: (1) teacher rankings, (2) teacher ratings, and (3) direct behavioral observations. Testing with 121 children demonstrated significant…

Review seeks to clarify issues of definition and assessment for school psychologists facing task of operationalizing and measuring social maladjustment exclusion in federal definition of serious emotional disturbance. For school psychologists in states with exclusion for social maladjustment, proactive recommendations are offered, emphasizing…

Used multiple baseline across items design to evaluate effects of cover, copy, and compare (CCC) intervention on students' accuracy identifying states on map of United States. Results from seven students taught with CCC intervention showed the CCC intervention was effective in increasing class mean accuracy levels in locating states. Students…

Hospitalized female patients with borderline personality disorder were assessed for Axis II disorders by the Structured Clinical Inventory for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (SCID-II) and for personality traits with the NEO Personality Inventory. The relationship of results to social adjustment and the utility of…

Calls for authentic family-professional collaboration which will develop new visions for children with special needs and new expectations of schools and agencies. Contends that families want to be supported rather than supplanted by professionals and that, if collaboration is to be more than rhetoric, both parties must recognize their rights and…

Describes how a third-grade teacher worked with a child in her class who had attention deficit disorder. The child was easily distracted and frustrated and had low self-esteem. The teacher's sensitivity to his ups and downs and her flexibility in modifying lessons helped the child succeed. (SM)

Describes two programs that serve gifted students with special needs. The first, Project HIGH HOPES, helps students by establishing curricular accommodations. The other program entails staff members ensuring that gifted students are challenged and that these students' parents know how to interact effectively with their children. (MKA)