An evaluation of an intervention sequence outline in positive behaviour support for people with autism and severe escape-motivated challenging behaviour

A Meta-Analysis of Treatment for Self-Injurious Behavior in Children and Adolescents With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) among children and youth with developmental disabilities has not diminished in prevalence despite the availability of effective interventions, and the impact on quality of life for people and their families is devastating. The current meta-analysis reviews SIB intervention research between 2011 and 2021 using single-case experimental designs with children and youth up to 21 years old and provides a quantitative synthesis of data from high-quality studies including moderator analyses to determine effects of participant and study characteristics on intervention outcomes. Encouraging findings include a high level of effectiveness across studies in the decrease of SIB (Tau-U = -0.90) and increase of positive behavior (Tau-U = 0.73), as well as an increase in studies (relative to prior reviews) reporting intervention fidelity, generalization, maintenance, and social validity. However, our findings shed limited light on potential moderating variables in the development of interventions for children and youth who exhibit SIB. Of the potential moderators of intervention effects, only implementer (researcher/therapist vs. parent/caregiver) and setting (clinic vs. home) were significantly associated with improved outcomes. We discuss the need for more robust involvement of natural communities of implementers in SIB intervention research to better equip them to effectively and sustainably meet the needs of people they care for. We also discuss the importance of creating systems enabling broad access for children with SIB to effective interventions in service of reducing burden for people, families, and society over time.

An evaluation of positive behavioural support implemented within an intensive community support service for people with learning disabilities who present with behaviours that challenge

This article evaluates the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary intensive community support service, using positive behavioural support (PBS) as a core intervention model to reduce behaviours of concern and to improve the quality of life and occupational involvement of individuals with a learning disability who present with behaviours that challenge. The service used outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the PBS model. The study looks at pre- and post-outcome measures which showed a significant improvement in behaviour, quality of life and occupational outcomes for individuals with a learning disability presenting with complex behaviours of concern. This study contributes to the growing evidence base for PBS being delivered by specialist community learning disability teams.

Treatment of Aggression in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by markedly impaired social interaction, impaired communication, and restricted/repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. In addition to challenges caused by core symptoms, maladaptive behaviors such as aggression can be associated with ASD and can further disrupt functioning and quality of life. For adults with ASD, these behaviors can portend adverse outcomes (e.g., harm to others or to the individual with ASD, hindering of employment opportunities, criminal justice system involvement). This article reviews the scientific literature to provide an update on evidence-based interventions for aggression in adults with ASD.

METHOD

A search of the electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO was conducted using relevant search terms. After reviewing titles, abstracts, full-length articles, and reference lists, 70 articles were identified and reviewed.

RESULTS

The strongest (controlled trial) evidence suggests beneficial effects of risperidone, propranolol, fluvoxamine, vigorous aerobic exercise, and dextromethorphan/quinidine for treating aggression in adults with ASD, with lower levels of evidence supporting behavioral interventions, multisensory environments, yokukansan, and other treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Additional randomized, controlled trials using consistent methodology that adequately addresses sources of bias are needed to determine which treatments are reliably effective in addressing aggression in adults with ASD. In the meantime, considering efficacy and adverse effect/long-term risk profiles, a practical approach could start with functional assessment-informed behavioral interventions along with encouragement of regular, vigorous aerobic exercise to target aggression in adults with ASD, with pharmacotherapy employed if these interventions are unavailable or inadequate based on symptom acuity.

Living with others with behaviours that challenge: experiences and perceptions of adults with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND

This study explored the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities who live with others who display behaviours that challenge. Previous research has focused on the impact of behaviours that challenge on staff and families but less is known about the effect it has on service-users.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants who were recruited from a service specialising in the management of behaviours that challenge. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

RESULTS

Four superordinate themes were identified: the emotional impact of others' behaviours that challenge; participants' perceptions of behaviours that challenge; participants' own experiences engaging in behaviours that challenge; and things that help. Sub-themes were also identified under each superordinate theme.

CONCLUSIONS

People with an intellectual disability are knowledgeable about behaviours that challenge, have insight into potential causes, and can offer suggestions as to what might help. Results were discussed in relation to clinical implications and methodological strengths.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONLiving with others who engage in behaviours that challenge has a significant impact on the well-being of people with an intellectual disability.People with an intellectual disability need to be empowered through inclusion in the decisions that concern them, especially in relation to their living circumstances.This is vital in order to improve the quality of life and mental well-being, enhance opportunities for skill development and promote independence.

Clinical and cost effectiveness of staff training in the delivery of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) for adults with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and challenging behaviour - randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Although Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is a widely used intervention for ameliorating challenging behaviour (CB), evidence for its use in adults with intellectual disability (ID) and comorbid autism (ASD) is lacking. We report a planned subsidiary analysis of adults with both ASD and ID who participated in a randomised trial of PBS delivered by health professionals.

METHODS

The study was a multicentre, cluster randomised trial conducted in 23 community ID services in England, participants were randomly allocated to either the delivery of PBS (n = 11 clusters) or to treatment as usual (TAU; n = 12). One-hundred and thirteen participants (46% of all participants in the trial) had a diagnosis of ID, autism spectrum disorder and CB (ASD+); (47 allocated to the intervention arm, and 66 to the control). CB (primary outcome) was measured with the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist total score (ABC-CT). Secondary outcomes included mental health status, psychotropic medication use, health and social care costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) over 12 months.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in ABC-CT between ASD+ groups randomised to the two arms over 12 months (adjusted mean difference = - 2.10, 95% CI: - 11.3 7.13, p = 0.655) or other measures. The mean incremental cost of the intervention per participant was £628 (95% CI -£1004 to £2013). There was a difference of 0.039 (95% CI - 0.028 to 0.103) for QALYs and a cost per QALY gained of £16,080.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest lack of clinical effectiveness for PBS delivered by specialist ID clinical teams. Further evidence is needed from larger trials, and development of improved interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01680276.