The article examines the role of drug treatment stressing the need to treat disorders of brain function rather than direct behavior control. Treatment principles concern classification, dosage, monitoring effects, timing of therapy, the distinction between passive and active disorders as well as syndromal, manipulative, ritualistic, cyclothymic,…

The authors discuss the nature, use, and application of behavioral rating scales for students with behavior disorders. An annotated list of eight behavioral rating scales is included. (CL)

Discusses solvent abuse, or the inhalation of chemically intoxicating vapors from consumer products that are otherwise safe when used as intended. Presents a list of products typically abused by children, the statistics which indicate that this problem is on the rise, and the physical warning signs that parents and teachers should not overlook.…

This article describes the use of structured interviews to obtain information on which to base hypotheses about the functions of students' behavior disorders and the effectiveness of alternative interventions to teach new behavior. Phases and purposes of the structured interview are illustrated with several examples. (DB)

This article reviews general classes of variables which help to maintain aberrant behavior including attention seeking, sensory and perceptual consequences, and access to materials or activities. Suggestions for a methodology providing a comprehensive functional analysis are offered which include descriptive analysis, hypothesis forming,…

Offers guidelines to assist school personnel in addressing pica, an eating disorder involving consumption of nonedible substances frequently observed in people with mental retardation. Guidelines are organized around principles that stress surveying the situation, selecting treatments (behavioral, nutritional, and/or medical), and considering the…

A study involving 11 elementary and 9 middle schools illustrates how office discipline referrals can be used to indicate the status of school-wide discipline, and how schools can use the information to modify their universal interventions for all students and their targeted interventions for students with severe behavior problems. (Contains…

This article introduces this special issue focused on application of guidelines based on the consensus of experts to the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral problems in persons with mental retardation. It explains the method of developing the guidelines, the limitations and advantages of the guidelines, and the organization of the guidelines.…

This article provides a review of current literature on the comparative validity of different functional assessment and analysis strategies. It describes functional assessment as an outcome-driven process and explains observational assessment strategies and using assessment information to plan interventions. A proposed process for teachers and…

This booklet provides a synthesis of the literature and practical suggestions on dealing with violence and aggression in the schools. It is designed to help educators develop the skills to become more competent in preventing and responding to aggressive and violent acts. Particular attention is given to application of a transdisciplinary model.…

This paper discusses the role of social workers in uncovering the learning problems that contribute to the inappropriate school behavior of students classified as severely emotionally impaired. Case studies are used to illustrate students' weakened self esteem, the marked discrepancy between verbal and performance scores, the presence of factors…

The article describes the problem of assessing culturally diverse students for behavior disorders, proposes a solution which replaces norm referenced assessment with functional assessment, and offers recommendations for implementing such a nonbiased, functional approach. (DB)

The article presents information on psychotrophic drugs used with behaviorally disordered students (stimulants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and lithium), including desired effects and side effects. Guidelines for teachers and other school personnel who work with students on medication are also provided. (Author/JW)

When culturally different children are referred for suspected emotional/behavioral disorders, their native cultural customs and beliefs must be considered. Examples of withdrawn, defensive, disorganized, and aggressive behaviors are cited. (CL)

A framework is provided for selecting and analyzing social skills curricula for teaching students with learning or behavioral difficulties. The framework emphasizes analysis of such programing considerations as individualization, cost-effectiveness, assessment, maintenance, and generalization. Presented are a checklist for analyzing the curricula…