Miller Method

I.Definitions

Current term and definitions

National Mental Health and Special Education -coalition -preferred terminology

‘Emotional and behavioral disorders means a disability that is:

- characterized by behavioral or emotional response in school programs so different from appropriate age, culture, or ethnic norms that the responses adversely affect educational performance including academic, social, vocational, or personal skills.

- more than a temporary, expected response to stressful events in the environment".

American Psychiatric Association - DSM IV

Common features of current definitions:-

- behavior that goes to an extreme - that is not just slightly different from the usual.

- a problem that is chronic - one that does not quickly disappear

- behavior that is unacceptable because of social or cultural expectations.

Definition used by IDEA -

- an inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.

- an inability to build or maintain satisfactory relationship with peers and teachers.

- inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.

- a general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression; or

- a tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.

the term includes children who are schizophrenic or autistic. the term does not include children who are socially maladjusted unless it is determined that they are emotionally disturbed.

II. Causes

• biological
• psychological
• schools
• socioeconomic disadvantage
• Interaction - biological and psychological

III. Characteristics

- Achenbach (1991)

- Externalizing

o striking out, cursing, stealing

- Internalizing

o depression, withdrawal, fear, and phobias, anorexia and bullemia, elective mutism.

- Intelligence

o lower than normal

IV. Classification

conduct disorder

- disobedient, bossy, temper tantrums.

personality disorder- anxiety-withdrawal

- self conscious, social withdrawal, anxiety, feelings of inferiority, guilt, shyness, unhappiness.

immaturity- attention problems

- short attention span, extreme passivity, daydreaming, clumsiness,

socialized aggression

- truancy, gang membership, theft

Motor excess - restless, unable to sit still, tense, unable to relax, and overtalkative.

psychotic behavior

- autism & schizophrenia

Autism

- a disorder characterized by extreme withdrawal, self stimulation, cognitive deficits, language disorders, and onset before the age of thirty months.

Schizophrenia

- psychotic behavior manifested by loss of contact with reality, bizarre thought process, and inappropriate actions.

V. Identification

Child Behavior Checklist

Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders

Difference between schizophrenea and autism.

Schizophrenia

. Onset after a normal period of development (usually after 30

. Delusions (bizarre ideas), hallucinations (seeing or hearing imaginery things).

. Intermittent normal period in between psychotic episodes.

Autism

. Onset usually at birth or before 24 months.

Intermittent normal period in between psychotic episodes.

. No epilepsy.

. Constant symptoms.

. 25% have epilepsy.

VI. Intervention

Models

- Psychoanalytic

- Behavioral

- Psychoeducational

Psychoanalytic

- individual psychotherapy for uncovering and resolving deep-seated problems (Freud).

Behavioral

- behaviors are measured precisely, progress toward goal is measured carefully and frequently, achievements or attempts are

reinforced (Skinner).

Psychoeducational

- psychoanalytic combined with behavioral.