The paper reviews the developmental perspective in interventions with behaviorally disordered youth and considers developmentally based models (such as the engineered classroom, the conceptual level model, and the developmental task instructional system). The Intervention by Prescription (IBP) model, an integrated problem solving system, is described and applied to the domain of impulse management. Theoretical and research principles in impulse control are reviewed. Nine stages of development are identified and appropriate interventions at each level considered. (CL)