This article highlights the necessary components of a functional behavioral assessment, a decision making framework concerning the selection of assessment and intervention procedures to be used at school, and a description of one practical functional behavioral assessment tool, the Initial Line of Inquiry, that has been employed by school-based…

The Minneapolis Public Schools have found that certain improvement strategies make a difference: early intervention, near-perfect attendance, smaller classrooms, quality instruction, expectations of excellence, good health, consistency, increased instructional time, community support, multiple measures, aligned curricula, accountability,…

A case study of an eight-year-old boy with emotional/behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is used to illustrate principles of inclusion. An analysis of the educational system and the student's needs is followed by a description of various inclusive interventions (such as academic modifications,…

Recounts a second-grade teacher's efforts to help a rough-and-tumble boy diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). After comprehensive behavioral and academic programs (including token rewards, peer tutoring, resource room activities, an inclass aide) failed to stabilize Tommy's behavior, Ritalin was (successfully) prescribed…

Discussion of the role of the physician in working with college students with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) includes a definition of this role, symptoms and etiology of ADHD, gender differences, diagnosis criteria, use of worksheets and questionnaires, multimodal treatment, the use of medication and its side effects, and need for…

Interviews with 102 families of preschool-age children with developmental delays identified 4 subgroups reflecting variations in parents' views of the impact of their child on the family's daily routine. These subgroups, in turn, were related to different domains of family adaptation or accommodation. Utility of the typology for early…

Examines the development and implementation of the Pawtucket Heart Health Program (PHHP), a community research and demonstration project in Pawtucket (Rhode Island) focusing on PHHP's school intervention project, designed to help decrease the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among the students and staff of Pawtucket schools. (MDM)

This article on the use of community resources by families of young children with special needs discusses the rationale for the use of community resources in federal legislation, strategies for building resources, barriers to the use of community resources, and recommendations for increasing the use of community resources. (CR)

A step-by-step guide is presented for developing and implementing a social interaction intervention based on a study of an inclusive preschool program. Steps include developing a data collection system, selecting observation time, collecting baseline data, identifying target children, developing social interaction skills intervention, monitoring…

Examined shared paradigm assumptions between developmental contextualism and community psychology, including: models for understanding social context; sociocultural influences; research methods for investigating relations between people and contexts; empowerment; and ethical issues in research and intervention. Purpose was to promote discussion…

Discusses the use of behavioral assessment for both descriptive and program evaluation purposes. Notes the use of behavioral assessment to study coaching behaviors and their effects on young athletes. Operant and cognitive-behavioral interventions have proven effective in both athletic and psychosocial outcomes. Discusses unresolved issues and…

Examines a clinical sample of 215 cases of allegations of sexual abuse in families involved in divorce. Cases are categorized according to the circumstances surrounding abuse allegations, clinical substantiation, and legal outcomes. Court substantiation rate is about half the clinic substantiation rate. Nearly one-fifth of parents raising concerns…

The ability of several process variables to predict therapy outcome was tested with 30 depressed clients who received cognitive therapy with or without medication. Two types of process variables were studied. Client improvement was found to be predicted by two common factors measured: the therapeutic alliance and the client's emotional involvement…

A survey was conducted of 193 directors of agencies providing home visits as part of early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities. The survey indicated that a major function of home visits was to assist families in coordinating and integrating additional services needed from other agencies and resources. (CR)

The Safer Choices program, being tested in Texas and California, is a multicomponent program to change behaviors which lead to infection with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. Components include a School Health Promotion Council, curriculum and staff development activities, school environment activities implemented by peer…