Evidence-Based School Behavior Assessment of Externalizing Behavior in Young Children

Many studies have demonstrated a significant burden of maternal stress and depression for women living on the Galápagos Islands. Here, we aim to uncover burdens and needs of women with young children on San Cristóbal Island and then explore options for implementing evidence-based programs of social support to meet these needs. We conducted 17 semi-structured qualitative interviews with mothers of young children, healthcare workers, and community stakeholders. We then used Summary Oral Reflective Analysis (SORA), an interactive methodology, for qualitative analysis. Despite initial reports of a low-stress environment, women described many sources of stress and concerns for their own and their children’s health and well-being. We uncovered three broad areas of need for mothers of young children: (1) the need for information and services, (2) the need for trust, and (3) the need for space. In response to these concerns, mothers, healthcare workers, and community leaders overwhelmingly agreed that a social support program would be beneficial for the health of mothers and young children. Still, they expressed concern over the feasibility of such a program. To address these feasibility concerns, we propose that a web-based education and social support intervention led by nurses would best meet mothers’ needs. Women could learn about child health and development, develop strong, trusting friendships with other mothers, and have their own space to speak freely among experts and peers.

Download Full-text

Language Modeling as an Efficacious Early Language Intervention Approach With Young Children Demonstrating Complex Communication Needs

Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication ◽

10.1044/aac18.1.21 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 21-27 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Patti Solomon-Rice ◽

Gloria Soto

Keyword(s):

Young Children ◽

Clinical Intervention ◽

Language Modeling ◽

Language Intervention ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Complex Communication Needs ◽

Communication Partner ◽

Aided Aac ◽

Communication Needs ◽

Communication Partner Training

Abstract This article highlights evidence supporting the efficacy of adult language modeling and child imitation, including use of aided AAC modeling, during language intervention with young children demonstrating complex communication needs. First, four evidence-based language intervention approaches that incorporate adult language modeling and child imitation with young children demonstrating language delays are described. Second, two additional evidence-based language intervention approaches that incorporate aided AAC modeling during communication partner training, and direct clinical intervention with young children using aided AAC are further discussed. The article concludes with suggestions for strategies to use during language intervention with young children who use aided AAC.

Download Full-text

Callous-Unemotional Traits Do Not Predict Functional Family Therapy Outcomes for Adolescents With Behavior Problems

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2020.537706 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Dagfinn Mørkrid Thøgersen ◽

Gunnar Bjørnebekk ◽

Christoffer Scavenius ◽

Mette Elmose

Keyword(s):

Family Therapy ◽

Behavior Problems ◽

Externalizing Behavior ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Functional Family Therapy ◽

Evidence Based Treatment ◽

Cu Traits ◽

Callous Unemotional ◽

Functional Family

Despite the availability of evidence-based treatment models for adolescent behavior problems, little is known about the effectiveness of these programs for adolescents with callous-unemotional (CU) traits. Defined by lack of empathy, lack of guilt, flattened affect and lack of caring, CU traits have been linked to long-term anti-social behavior and unfavorable treatment outcomes and might be negatively related to outcomes in evidence-based programs such as Functional Family Therapy (FFT). This study used a single-group pre-post evaluation design with a sample of 407 adolescents (49.1% female, mean age = 14.4 years, SD = 1.9) receiving FFT to investigate whether outcomes in FFT are predicted by CU traits and to what extent reliable changes in CU traits can be observed. The results showed that although CU traits are related to increased problem severity at baseline, they predicted neither treatment dropout nor post-treatment externalizing behavior and family functioning. CU traits were related to diminished improvement ratings, in particular with respect to parental supervision. Reductions in CU traits were observed across the time of treatment, and these were most profound among adolescents with elevated levels of CU traits at baseline. Further research should investigate whether certain evidence-based treatment components are more suited for adolescents with CU, and if the addition of specific intervention elements for reducing CU-traits could further improve outcomes for this high-risk population.

Download Full-text