Disruptive Behavior Disorders

“Dr. Gresham’s book provides a comprehensive study of the etiology of disruptive behavior disorders, and discusses their multi-faceted and complex origins, including both ‘within child’ and environmental influences….The book provides a useful and structured discussion of evidence-based practice in meeting the needs of children whose behavior can be overwhelming for many school systems….At the end of each chapter there is a summary of the main points, which is helpful given the level of detail in the book and the numerous references for research, published programs, interventions, ideas, and psychological theories.”

—Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health


“Serving the needs of children with disruptive behavior disorders is a major challenge for schools today. All readers, regardless of their professional training, will treasure this book. As he has done throughout his career, Gresham writes clearly and comprehensively about best practices. The singular focus on disruptive behavior disorders ensures complete coverage of etiology, assessment, treatment, and prevention. As a text, this book is equally well suited for special education and school psychology courses; instructors will find the 'Case Study Applications for Best Practices' especially useful.”

—J. Ron Nelson, PhD, Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska–Lincoln


“Gresham is a top leader in the field of emotional and behavioral disorders, and his experience and expertise are evident in this highly useful volume. The book offers a concise, practical, and thorough presentation of key issues in supporting positive outcomes for students with disruptive behavior disorders. The case studies concretely illustrate how to identify students with disruptive behavior disorders at the first sign of concern, and how to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based strategies, practices, and programs within multi-tiered systems of support that are comprehensive and integrated.”

—Kathleen Lynne Lane, PhD, BCBA-D, Department of Special Education, University of Kansas


“This outstanding book is unlike anything I have seen in my 40-plus years of working with school-related behavior disorders. It meets a glaring need for a roadmap for assessment and intervention with this very at-risk and underserved student group. Gresham's knowledge of causal factors, intervention procedures, and assessment methods is unparalleled. Readers will emerge with a superb understanding of ways to improve the life chances of students with disruptive behavior disorders and meaningfully involve school staff and parents in the process.”

—Hill M. Walker, PhD, Department of Special Education and Clinical Services (Emeritus), University of Oregon; Senior Scientist, Oregon Research Institute


“Gresham provides a comprehensive perspective on the multifaceted issues involved in understanding and managing disruptive behavior disorders. The book describes evidence-based practices ranging from prevention and screening to tertiary-level interventions and in-home strategies for parents. This is an ideal resource for practitioners and educators who work directly in classroom settings with diverse learners. It should certainly be a required text for courses focused on school psychological services, school mental health, and multi-tiered systems of support for students experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges in schools.”

—Katina M. Lambros, PhD, BCBA-D, School Psychology Program, San Diego State University