What Is Right With Behavior Disorders: Seminal Achievements and Contributions of the Behavior Disorders Field

Abstract

This article focuses on the theme of, "What's right with behavior disorders?" In recent years, the internal and external attacks on special education have accelerated markedly. The field of behavior disorders (BDs) has not been immune from such attacks, but they have been less frequent than is the case for other areas of special education or generic special education. The current landscape of BDs, and critical issues within it, are described herein followed by a review of the strengths, contributions, and notable achievements of professionals in our field that have influenced society and general education as well as special education. The capacity of our field to produce high-quality research is also reviewed. Some challenges that our field faces from postmodern formulations of BDs as well as translating our research into effective, deliverable practices are discussed. The article concludes with a discussion of the strengths and resilience of BDs and its cadre of professionals.