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Presents an introduction to the August 1, 2005 issue of the periodical "Journalism."

A variety of techniques grounded in behavioral psychology, and more specifically in applied behavior analysis, have been established to increase and improve play skills in children with autistic spectrum disorders. This article introduces a set of efficacious methods, which range from highly structured techniques to more naturalistic strategies. It focuses on object play as other authors in the issue discuss social play in greater depth. Behavioral techniques that are reviewed include: discrete trial training, use of stereotyped behaviors to increase play skills, pivotal response training, reciprocal imitation training, differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior, in vivo modeling and play scripts, and video modeling. A discussion of expanding behavior techniques to teach more complex play as well as training in varied environments is also presented. References are provided to allow the reader to obtain more in-depth information about each technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the use of choice during language intervention on disruptive behavior, social play/pragmatic behaviors, and language development in children with autism. Choice opportunities provided for children with autism; Comparison of choice and no choice conditions in a naturalistic language intervention procedure; Reduction in disruptive behaviors; Increase in levels of appropriate social play.

Young incarcerated African American males are at high riskfor contracting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purposes of this study were to (a) describe the levels ofHIlVknowledge, norms regarding condom use, self-efficacy, and intentions to engage in HlV-preventive behaviors in a sample of young incarcerated African American males; and (b) assess the relationships between knowledge, norms, self-efficacy, and behavioral intent. Data were collected during an AIDS educational session from 52 African American males 17 to 22 years of age. The results indicated that this sample had a moderate level ofAIDS knowledge overalL However, knowledge regarding transmission myths was relatively low. This sample evidencedfairly high self-efficacy regarding HIVprevention and showed moderate intentions to engage in HIV-preventive behaviors. The data also indicated that both peer and subjective norms support condom use. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on the issues concerning the trend of the growing up corporate culture in relation to media studies. It states that the culture in which children are invited to participate is becoming increasingly commercial and individual and less social as well as civic. It also mentions that one media researcher after another is expressing concern about the problems associated with changing the culture of citizenship such as the policymakers, teenagers and academics. In connection, the author notes that media producers must now accept some responsibility for encouraging political citizenship by providing children and teenagers with critical news services.

Presents a letter to the editor commenting on ways of dealing with parents in the intensive care unit for premature infants and in follow-up clinics.