This article discusses the need to concentrate more educational research into efficacy studies on the effectiveness of specific preventive and treatment interventions targeted at disruptive behavior disorders. Other research needs are highlighted such as underlying mechanisms by which aggressive behavior develops, involvement in gangs, positive…

Describes the EQUIP Program, a new psychoeducational model that teaches antisocial youth to think and act responsibly through a peer-helping approach. Highlights the challenges presented by antisocial youth, reviews the development of earlier psychoeducational methods, and outlines basic program components. Initial research shows significant…

The management of behavior disorders in brain injured persons in a day rehabilitation setting is discussed including the role of the family and methods of behavior change such as modeling and shaping. Four cases demonstrating effective use of behavioral approaches are offered. (DB)

In this study, 11 males with autism and mental retardation were administered risperidone. Substantial clinical improvement was noted almost immediately; patients with aggression, self-injury, explosivity, and poor sleep hygiene were most improved. The modal dose for optimal response was 0.5 mg bid. Weight gain was a significant side effect.…

Evaluation of a training procedure to improve staff skills in the preventative and reactive management of severely challenging behaviors in a small residential treatment unit found reduced (though not statistically significant) behavioral incidents, use of major reactive strategies (restraint and emergency medication), and staff and resident…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of self-monitoring across a classroom for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. All students showed increases in the percentage of intervals engaged in on-task behavior following implementation of the self-management procedures. The disruptive behaviors of one student were reduced to near zero…

A student (age 15) classified as behaviorally disordered tutored a student with learning disabilities. The peer tutoring brought about improvements in the tutee's on-task and academic performance but not in the tutor's disruptive behavior. Self-monitoring and a self-instructional component were then implemented to eliminate the tutor's disruptive…

A study investigated the effectiveness of a school-based prevention program consisting of social skills activities, peer tutoring, and individual and class-wide behavioral management components for improving the behaviors of 38 students (ages 5-11) with emotional disturbances. Results indicated that inappropriate behaviors decreased and positive…

A total of 79 boys with behavior disorders were assigned to Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) or Group Care. Data at 1 year post-discharge showed that boys in MTFC had significantly fewer arrests, engaged in fewer delinquent activities, spent fewer days incarcerated, and ran away from their placements less often. (Contains references.)…

A study investigated the impact of rhythmic entrainment on an 11-year-old girl with autism who engaged in head jerking and screaming. Rhythmic entrainment intervention was more effective when she exhibited behavior that resulted from a moderate level of stress and less effective when stressors were more severe. (CR)

This study examined the academic achievement of 45 incarcerated youth who received an intensive, 6-week summer reading program involving 3 hours of direct instruction and whole language reading activities per day. Significant improvements on 3 of 4 reading tests were found. Overall reading abilities of participants remained low, however,…

Assessed the effects of an intervention conducted within a sport context on the pro-social and antisocial behaviors of adolescent males with disruptive behavior disorders. Data from participant videotapes and interviews and therapist surveys indicated the intervention might have had a limited effect on adolescents' pro-social behavior, though it…

In this study we compared the effects of smallgroup constructivist and explicit mathematics instruction in basic multiplication on low-achieving students' performance and motivation. A total of 265 students (aged 8-11 years) from 13 general and 11 special elementary schools for students with learning and/or behavior disorders participated in the…

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an empirically supported, parent-training program designed to teach parents specific techniques to manage the behavior of children between the ages of two and seven exhibiting extreme disruptive behavior. Over 30 published studies (see Herschell, Calzada, Eyberg, & McNeil, 2002b for a review) have lent…

This study sought to assess the social validity of teacher and parent implemented assessment-based intervention for challenging behaviour in young children. The Behavior Intervention Rating Scale was completed by adults at the end of intervention for each participant. Overall ratings were high for both intervention acceptability and intervention…