Kenneth J. Tarnowski

A modified habit reversal procedure in a recalcitrant case of trichotillomania.

An 11-year-old girl with a severe and recalcitrant case of trichotillomania was successfully treated with a modified habit reversal procedure. Erosion estimates and serial photographic assessment methods were used to document client progress over a one-year period. Treatment effects were socially validated by attractiveness ratings of 20 same-aged children. Results extend the use of habit reversal procedures to a severe case and address the need for reliable and valid assessment procedures as well as extended follow-up.

Psychosocial Adjustment and Physical Growth in Children With Imperforate Anus or Abdominal Wall Defects

Pediatric surgeons have the unique responsibility of performing surgical procedures that will enable their patients to function normally throughout a lifetime. Good anatomic results may not ensure that this goal will be achieved. Using a battery of psychological testing instruments, we evaluated the academic achievement and psychosocial status of 56 children (mean age, 10.6 years) with imperforate anus (IA) and abdominal wall defects (AWDs). Physical growth was assessed by measurement of standard anthropometric parameters, and a parent questionnaire was used to define clinical status. As a group, the children presented with average intellectual ability. Achievement in both reading and math was in the normal range. In 12.5% of the children a reading learning disability was noted and 10.7% had a disability in math. On the basis of parental assessments, 25% of the children demonstrated externalizing behavior disorders (eg, conduct problems) and 29% displayed internalizing symptomatology (eg. withdrawal, anxiety). Social competency deficits were described in 23% of the children. Data obtained from the teachers were consistent with the parental assessments. No major differences between the IA and AWD patients in academic achievement, psychosocial status, or physical growth were discovered. Routine screening of these children for learning disabilities and behavior problems is recommended.

The effects of ambulation training on the self-stimulatory behavior of a multiply handicapped child*

In a within subjects repeated reversal design, the effectiveness of physical therapy ambulation training to reduce the self-stimulation of a multiply handicapped child was assessed. Specifically, the effects of antecedent ambulation training on subsequent classroom behavior were examined employing direct observation methods. The procedure resulted in decreases in the childs overall level of self-stimulation in comparison to a control procedure. Detailed analyses indicated that the procedure differentially affected topographically distinct forms of self-stimulatory responding. The benefits of the procedure are discussed.

Behavioral assessment and treatment of pediatric burn injuries: A review *

This article reviews the research literature on the behavioral assessment and treatment of pediatric burn injuries. Highlighted applications include modification of distress during medical procedures (hydrotherapy, debridement, dressing changes, and physical therapy), consummatory behavior, sleep-related problems, and self-excoriation. Results of studies suggest that behavioral procedures hold considerable promise in impacting on the multiple problems of the burn-injured child. Methodological issues and future directions for applied burn research are presented. Additionally, the potential contributions of behavior therapy to the multiple difficulties of burned children and their families are discussed. Finally, the need for primary prevention efforts is emphasized.

Assessment of sustained attention and distraction in children using a classroom analogue task

The diagnosis of childhood hyperactivity has changed from a focus on motor behavior to an emphasis on attentional deficits. As a consequence, the assessment of attentional problems has taken on greater importance. There is no standard method for assessing attentional deficit in an ecologically valid manner which has met with general acceptance. In this study, an attentional task (ANALOGUE) which simulates classroom stimuli was evaluated with regard to concurrent and discriminant validity. The target sample consisted of 29 boys, ages 7 to 9, who were diagnosed ADDH. ANALOGUE, which is a task similar to academic work, was administered while potentially distracting classroom stimuli were presented on a video monitor. Four variables were assessed during distraction and non‐distraction conditions: Number of problems completed correctly, time on task, time looking at video monitor, and number of head turns. Interobserver reliability coefficients for the latter three measures were .99, .99, and. 71, respectively...

Teaching intermittent self-catheterization skills to mentally retarded children

In an A-B design with replication, the efficacy of a behavioral training program for teaching two mildly retarded children intermittent self-catheterization skills was assessed. Component skills were task-analyzed and trained via a graduated prompting procedure. Results indicated that both children rapidly acquired the component skills necessary to perform self-catheterization in an accurate and nearly independent manner. Benefits of children engaging in their own health-care maintenance are discussed.

Children's evaluations of their own peer relations.

In an attempt to relate parental and child evaluations of childrens peer relations, a measure of child peer relations was developed and administered to clinic families. The childrens ratings reflected adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity. Significant disrepancies between parental and child perceptions of peer relations emerged. It was concluded that self-report may function as a useful adjunct to other sources in the assessment of peer relations.