This response to "Behavior Disorders: A Postmodern Perspective" (Elkind) suggests that the claim that a paradigmatic shift has occurred in the field of emotional/behavioral disorders is unwarranted, since multiple model influence this area rather than a single monolithic view. It argues postmodernism lacks the intellectual coherence to…

Observes that because of the rate of suicides and attempted suicides among young people, teachers can expect to face suicidal students during their careers. Explores whether teachers can effectively employ no-suicide pacts with children. Finds that teachers took any suicide threat seriously but were uncomfortable using a no-suicide agreement. (DSK)

Compared conduct disorder behaviors and substance involvement of Hispanic (n=34) and non-Hispanic Caucasian (n=34) adolescents so as to determine pre-treatment problem behavior. Results indicate that non-Hispanic Caucasian youth were three times as likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder prior to substance involvement than were their Hispanic…

Discusses family therapy as one means of intervening in the social decay that is rapidly occurring in the Virgin Islands and Caribbean community and that is manifested in the antisocial behavior of young people, focusing on the evolution of this antisocial behavior and the therapist's and the community's role in maintaining juvenile delinquency or…

This article describes an Escambia County, Florida, program that serves male, middle school, juvenile delinquents or adjudicated youth with disabilities. It describes the program's development, components, successes, and failures. It notes program eligibility, intake and orientation processes, social skills intervention, academic program, and the…

Debates the question of suicide as a defensible choice, particularly for the terminally ill, examining the relevance of such issues as the mortality, rationality, and dynamics of the suicidal act, and the legitimacy of physician-assisted suicide. Contrasting perspectives are articulated by two prominent suicidologists as a spur to the reader's…

Article discusses how theory plays an essential role in the development and evaluation of interventions for children's psychosocial problems; and applies principles of developmental psychopathology to the treatment of dysfunction in children. It delineates the benefits of incorporating theoretical and empirical findings from developmental…

The last in seven sets of guidelines based on the consensus of experts in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral problems in mental retardation (MR) focuses on medication dosing. The guidelines cover classes of medication, specific medications, usual starting daily dose, and usual daily dose range. (DB)

Interviews with 33 high school students with behavioral disorders identified factors affecting high school completion. Students' responses to each of five questions are categorized. Results suggest changes related to teachers, curriculum, and administration that might help more youth with behavior disorders to complete high school. (Contains…

In response to Forness and Kavale (2001), this article suggests that the new medical model they propose for intervention with children who have emotional or behavioral disorders does not go far enough and that a comprehensive treatment model should incorporate other evidence-based approaches to intervention. (Contains 7 references.) (DB)

In response to Forness and Kavale's (2001) argument that the field of emotional and behavioral disorders (E/BD) should adopt a "new" medical model, this commentary argues that the benefit of psychiatric diagnoses and pharmacologic treatments have not been established. It advocates a resistance-to-intervention approach to E/BD eligibility…

The dynamics of self-injurious behaviors were examined in 8 adults with mental retardation. Analysis of trajectories of the arm movements and impact forces of head blows found a high degree of cycle-to-cycle consistency in the qualitative dynamics of limb motions, indicating the motions are often stereotyped in nature. (Contains references.) (CR)

Examines the decisionmaking of children with emotional and behavioral disorders. These youths' socially dysfunctional boundaries and thwarted border crossings are revealed semiotically. (Author/VWL)

This article reviews basic literature on behavioral pharmacology and integrates these findings with existing applied research regarding psychotropic medication. Suggestions are provided for improving research practices, increasing the diversity of people in decision-making regarding medication use, and developing consumer-friendly strategies for…

This article considers the impact of mentors on young professionals and on students with behavior disorders. Four key mentoring points are emphasized: model what you expect, respect the complex lives of your students and families, provide abundant learning opportunities for your students, and work collaboratively with others. (CR)