Discusses the efficacy of a psychoeducational support group to help working mothers manage their roles. The goals of this pilot project were to assist working mothers in working toward achieving cognitive restructuring, behavioral changes to reduce stress, and a sense of social support from experiential sharing within the group process.…

Highlights an approach that guides adolescents who have committed sexual offenses to learn healthy/prosocial ways to meet their sexual needs. Article is divided into an overview of literature, review of the sex education component of an intervention program for these adolescents, and discussion of practical considerations for professionals.…

Examines a two-week summer program using problem-based learning and behavior therapy to help adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes improve their ability to cope with obstacles to dietary management. Improvements were observed in self-efficacy, problem-solving skills, and self-reported coping strategies. No significant changes were observed…

Reviews two general classes of strategies designed to reduce premature attrition and enhance treatment. Research on psychotherapy preparatory techniques indicates that these educational techniques are effective in reducing early-treatment attrition and may be especially effective with populations at high risk for dropout. (Author/GCP)

Retrospective chart reviews of seven adolescents and young adults (ages 9-20) with autistic disorder treated with fluoxetine alone or in combination with other medications were performed. Side effects included initial appetite suppression, vivid dreams, and hyperactivity. Improvement was seen in irritability, lethargy, sterotypy, and inappropriate…

This article reviews research supporting the impact of differentiated instruction on both the social and academic performance of students. It proposes that the school curriculum, the general curriculum, and the individualized curriculum constitute the most critical social context for the behavior of students with emotional and behavior disorders.…

Evaluates claims of the Early Intervention Project, an intensive behavioral intervention program for young children with autism. Claims include recovery from autism in 47% of cases and substantial improvement in an additional 42%. The article finds methodological problems affecting internal and external validity of the project's reported results.…

A study conducted reinforcer assessments for three boys (ages 7-9) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who alternately received either a placebo or methylphenidate. Methylphenidate altered the relative reinforcing effectiveness of various stimuli that are often used in classroom-based behavioral treatment programs, particularly coupons…

Provides examples of programs that teach children positive behavior skills for success in life rather than resorting to traditional punishment. Looks at the Positive Education Program, Boys Town, the Westerly School District, and the New Opportunities Program. Such programs help children learn appropriate skills that replace problem behaviors.…

Shows how moving away from the token economy and contingency-contracting concepts of behavior management in the classroom is an effective way to teach self management skills to students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Supplies detailed instructions for implementing a successful self-management program. (MKA)

Double-blind placebo-controlled procedures examined whether 6 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could recognize medication effects. Three children were able to accurately report their medication status at levels greater than chance. Accuracy of reports was related to dosage level, differences in behaviors, and the presence of…

This article describes the development of an autism-specific three-month parent education program by Britain's National Autistic Society (NAS). The NAS EarlyBird Programme emphasizes partnerships with parents and uses weekly group training sessions and individualized home visits to teach parents about autism, social communication, and prevention…

Functional analysis of destructive behavior of a four-year-old boy with autism and oppositional defiant disorder was able to delineate the specific form of verbal attention that was responsible for behavioral maintenance. Treatment based on the analysis reduced the behavior to near-zero levels. (DB)

Presents a detailed description of the process of outpatient therapy provided to 56 children who were alleged victims of a day-care sexual abuse case. Therapists utilized a wide variety of techniques, most reflecting a psychotherapeutic approach, with some educational interventions. Examines reasons for therapy termination, and discusses…

Two elementary boys in a deaf education resource room who did not complete a writing assignment within the allotted time were subsequently given tokens contingent upon their starting promptly. The use of tokens was effective in reducing response latency. (Author/PB)