Recent estimates (Hallahan & Kauffman, 1978) indicate that over 4. 7 million children, 7.3% of the child population under the age of 19, are labeled emotionally disturbed, mentally retarded, or learning-disabled. Moreover, many of these children remain unserved or are inadequately served. The past decade has produced an increasing concern with the mental health needs of these children and their families. This trend had as much impact in behavior therapy as it did in any other branch of the helping professions. Behavioral work with children, with its emphasis on skill development and...

Recent estimates (Hallahan & Kauffman, 1978) indicate that over 4. 7 million children, 7.3% of the child population under the age of 19, are labeled emotionally disturbed, mentally retarded, or learning-disabled. Moreover, many of these children remain unserved or are inadequately served. The past decade has produced an increasing concern with the mental health needs of these children and their families. This trend had as much impact in behavior therapy as it did in any other branch of the helping professions. Behavioral work with children, with its emphasis on skill development and...