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Vocational training for mentally retarded adults: A behavior analytic approach
Book Reviews
91
is access to some of the current legal guidelines for rehabilitation and to the excellent work conducted abroad.
Alan E. Kazdin, Ph.D. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic University of Pittsburgh Medical School
Vocational Training for Mentally Retarded Adults: A Behavior Analytic Approach. By Frank R. Rusch and Dennis E. Mithaug. Champaign, Illinois: Research Press, 1980, $7.95 (Canada: $9.80). Rusch and Mithaug's approach to vocational training for mentally retarded persons consists of three parts: (1) basic principles and procedures of behavior modification as related to vocational training; (2) what should be taught in preparing retarded persons for successful employment, using the previously discussed procedures, and (3) a synthesis of previous information into a description of how to implement a job placement. The overall content is clearly relevant to the book's title. In addition, the presentation of behavioral principles is sound, with vivid examples relating to vocational training and a nice blend of research findings and practical suggestions. The title is somewhat misleading, however, in that most of the text does not present information which represents behavior analysis in a strict sense. Also, some suggested procedures seem impractical from a personnel and/or time availability standpoint. However, overall, I strongly agree with the authors that the book is appropriate reading for all persons interested in the vocational habilitation of mentally retarded adults.
Dennis H. Reid, Ph.D. Northern Indiana State Hospital and Developmental Disabilities Center
Gross Motor Management of Severely Multiply Impaired Students. Volume 1: Evaluation Guide. By Beverly A. Fraser, Genevieve Galka and Robert N. Hensinger. Maryland: University Park Press, 1980. This manual defines a medical/therapeutic team approach to the evaluation of severely handicapped individuals within the school system. Materials are designed for physicians, physical therapists and educators responsible for the management of handicapped students. The initial section presents a well organized informative analysis of neuromuscular/skeletal problems commonly found in the severely handicapped and includes screening and management techniques. Appropriate figures assist in clarifying the material. A review of normal range of motion, developmental reflexes and a scale of gross motor milestones follows with cross references to suggested remedial procedures in Volume II.
91
is access to some of the current legal guidelines for rehabilitation and to the excellent work conducted abroad.
Alan E. Kazdin, Ph.D. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic University of Pittsburgh Medical School
Vocational Training for Mentally Retarded Adults: A Behavior Analytic Approach. By Frank R. Rusch and Dennis E. Mithaug. Champaign, Illinois: Research Press, 1980, $7.95 (Canada: $9.80). Rusch and Mithaug's approach to vocational training for mentally retarded persons consists of three parts: (1) basic principles and procedures of behavior modification as related to vocational training; (2) what should be taught in preparing retarded persons for successful employment, using the previously discussed procedures, and (3) a synthesis of previous information into a description of how to implement a job placement. The overall content is clearly relevant to the book's title. In addition, the presentation of behavioral principles is sound, with vivid examples relating to vocational training and a nice blend of research findings and practical suggestions. The title is somewhat misleading, however, in that most of the text does not present information which represents behavior analysis in a strict sense. Also, some suggested procedures seem impractical from a personnel and/or time availability standpoint. However, overall, I strongly agree with the authors that the book is appropriate reading for all persons interested in the vocational habilitation of mentally retarded adults.
Dennis H. Reid, Ph.D. Northern Indiana State Hospital and Developmental Disabilities Center
Gross Motor Management of Severely Multiply Impaired Students. Volume 1: Evaluation Guide. By Beverly A. Fraser, Genevieve Galka and Robert N. Hensinger. Maryland: University Park Press, 1980. This manual defines a medical/therapeutic team approach to the evaluation of severely handicapped individuals within the school system. Materials are designed for physicians, physical therapists and educators responsible for the management of handicapped students. The initial section presents a well organized informative analysis of neuromuscular/skeletal problems commonly found in the severely handicapped and includes screening and management techniques. Appropriate figures assist in clarifying the material. A review of normal range of motion, developmental reflexes and a scale of gross motor milestones follows with cross references to suggested remedial procedures in Volume II.