Problem behavior interventions for young children with autism: a research synthesis.

This paper provides a summary of research on behavioral interventions for children with autism 8 years of age or younger published between 1996 and 2000. The analysis is divided into four sections: (1) emerging themes in the technology of behavior support, (2) a review of existing research syntheses focusing on behavioral interventions, (3) a new literature review of current pertinent research, and (4) an evaluative discussion of the synthesis results and the field's future needs to develop effective behavioral interventions for young children with autism. The authors offer recommendations for strengthening the existing research base and advancing behavioral technology to meet the needs of the defined target population.

Peer-mediated approaches to promoting children's social interaction: a review.

The literature on peer-mediated treatment approaches is reviewed, and three types of peer-mediated treatment--proximity, prompt/reinforce, and peer initiation interventions--are identified. The relative efficacy of these interventions is examined, treatment issues are discussed, and directions for future research are considered.