Describes cortical visual impairment (CVI) as a complex condition that is not an eye condition but a brain condition. Cautions practitioners that children with CVI do not exhibit similar behaviors, that a single approach does not work for all children, and that treatment is a dynamic process. (CR)

Describes major modifications in diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reflected in Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), summarizing pertinent research. Discusses clinical utility and limitations of DSM-IV with regard to the practice of school psychology. Gives specific suggestions to guide…

Describes typical developmental traits for different age groups of campers to help camp counselors understand them. Lists characteristics such as curiosity for ages 5-7, group awareness for ages 10-12, conformity and self-awareness for ages 12-15, and expansive and changing ambitions for ages 15-17. (CDS)

Describes a multimedia resource developed for camps by the American Camping Association and Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul, and Mary, to help children express and manage their emotions, cooperate and appreciate the individual strengths that each child brings to a group, celebrate diversity, and practice negotiating and resolving conflict creatively.…

Multiple sleep problems of a 2-year-old girl improved following treatment with a faded bedtime with response cost procedure. If she fell asleep within 15 minutes of the scheduled bedtime, her bedtime the following night was 30 minutes earlier; however, if she did not fall asleep it was 30 minutes later. (Author/CR)

Presents author's perspective on the challenging behavior of her son, theorizing about that behavior while drawing on research into temperament. Outlines history of "attention and behavior problems," culminating in most recent work on neuropsychological factors. Considers ways various approaches assign blame for "problems" to…

Finds a generalizable pattern that is learned and followed by most children when they select books. Suggests that refinements and elaborations are best demonstrated by "outlier" behaviors atypical to the basic book-selection routine. Shows children typically select books based upon the physical characteristics of the book and a holistic,…

Summarizes 12 recent documents and journal articles from the ERIC database that discuss topics related to television violence and children. Articles cited address the effects of television violence on child behavior and attitudes at school and home, and methods of reducing the impact of television on children. (JPB)

Discusses the use of anecdotal records to document young children's school behavior and accomplishments. Considers the use of informal records to capture daily events and formal records to document milestone behaviors. (JPB)

Data on 11 samples of 1,012 toddlers used to construct and validate the Toddler Behavior Assessment Questionnaire (TBAQ) revealed that the component of negative affectivity (anger proneness and fearfulness) were independent, and item analysis suggested that shyness and other fears were independent as well. (MDM)

Discusses the public perception of childhood innocence as a treasured concept that appears to be under attack according to media reports of child abuse and neglect and child murderers. Discusses cases of children who kill, focusing on the United Kingdom's 1968 case of Mary Bell. Considers causes of childhood crises that threaten innocence. (JPB)

The behavior of seven children (ages 3-6) with depression and 7 typical children was compared in solitary free play, interactive free play, and play narratives. Children with depression played significantly less, particularly in the area of symbolic play, showed significantly more nonplay behaviors, and showed less coherence in their behavior.…

Uses Lewin's field theory as a framework to appraise children's momentary state of curiosity and exploratory behavior. Discusses two levels of analysis: child-stimulus situation and child-stimulus-adult situation. Argues that a parent can be a barrier hindering a child's exploration, or a facilitator to remove barriers. (Author/SD)

Notes that attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly diagnosed in the first few years of education. Details characteristics of ADHD and education interventions, including: (1) giving frequent, immediate, and specific feedback; (2) breaking tasks into smaller units; and (3) using preferred activities to reinforce appropriate…

Provides guidelines for counselors interested in developing their own assessment procedure to evaluate child and adolescent sleep disturbance. Guidelines include reviewing the developmental and medical history, screening for parental psychopathology, obtaining a child behavior rating scale and sleep diary, and conducting a semistructured clinical…