Examines how sensory integration disorders contribute to behavioral difficulties in young children and how considering the neurological underpinnings to behavior problems can help to clarify their origins and lead to obtaining appropriate and effective help. Lists signs of sensory integration disorders. Delineates techniques to use when a child…

A follow-up study examined 12 children who demonstrated stress in the period leading up to or during administration of standard assessment tasks (SATs). Findings indicate that for some children who tend to be sensitive or anxious, the SATs may push them beyond a level of stress that is manageable or acceptable. (Contains 1 reference.) (CR)

Two case studies and clinical examples document the capacity of highly gifted adolescents to mask severe depressive disorder symptoms. Factors contributing to this masking phenomenon include shame for being incapacitated and unable to resolve their dilemma; depression's signature cognitive confusion, which disengaged their coping mechanism; and…

Examines characteristics of children adopted in adolescence and characteristics associated with disruptions of adolescent adoptions. (BB)

Describes adolescent satanic practices of affected families in three Southwestern states in a seven-year period. Counselors need to understand how satanism is related to religion, family dynamics, and adolescent rebellion. A systemic perspective is suggested. Counselors must be aware of their own biases to be able to help satanically involved…

This study of 258 girls (ages 6-12) found that sexually abused girls and clinical controls had more developmental and psychiatric problems prior to the abuse and more past stressors than normal controls. In the sexually abused girls, prior developmental and psychiatric problems were associated with increased behavioral and emotional problems,…

Analysis of social competence and problem behaviors for 164 special education students in grades K-3, using the Social Skills Rating System, found weak to moderate relationships between parents' and teachers' ratings. Gender comparisons revealed mixed findings. Results provide evidence for the instrument's convergent validity and suggest that…

Evaluation of the clinical significance of a depression treatment program revealed that a substantial number of clients made reliable improvements; posttreatment scores fell within a functional distribution. Results suggest that highly structured interventions for outpatients with major depression can instill clinically meaningful changes in short…

Describes the use of small sandboxes with toy figures as an activity that helps children cope with the emotional upheaval in their lives. (HTH)

Interviews with 4 gifted learning-disabled boys, (aged 9 to 12), their parents, and their teachers identified themes in their social/emotional development including interpersonal relationships, self-concept, and learning characteristics. Unique characteristics included a powerful fear of failure, inconsistent social skills, and a fluctuating self…

Evidence suggests that sexual abuse has serious long-term effects; but specific effects, independent of force, threatened force, or family variables such as parental psychopathology, are not yet clarified. Effects among adults in terms of their relationship to sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, fear, multiple or borderline personality…

Reports on psychological support for emotionally and behaviorally disturbed children in 286 state day or boarding schools and 83 independent schools in Great Britain. Concludes that many flaws exist in the educational structure and that a full-time psychologist is necessary for both the student and teachers. (CFR)

Surveys of nonreferred students in grades 7 through 12 found that girls endorsed more depressive symptomatology than did boys, but the magnitude of the effect was trivial. Over one-third of the sample reported suicidal ideation. It is suggested that effect-size analyses may advance understanding of normative research on depression. (RJM)

Results from a survey of 62 students (ages 8-13) with mild mental retardation and 62 students without retardation indicated that high percentages of both groups understood what loneliness means; a loneliness questionnaire yielded satisfactory internal reliability; and boys but not girls with mental retardation reported more loneliness than did…

Results from an outcome study of 50 adolescents with behavioral and emotional problems in a partial hospitalization program reflect parental involvement during the treatment process. High parental involvement is related to greater improvement in school and home functioning, reduced rehospitalization, and reduced pathology and problem severity…