Library: Advocacy

Advocating for Children with Severe Behavior Problems

(This document accompanied a National Conference presentation so view it with that in mind.  It is posted here because this outline makes some clear and concise points on how you can plan an effective approach to achieve positive results when you are dealing with a child's behavioral problems.)

DIMENSIONS OF EFFECTIVE BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Topical Outline

A. TYPES OF CHILDREN AND CHARACTERISTICS OF BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS ADDRESSED IN THIS PRESENTATION.

B. ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING EFFECTIVE TREATMENT:

1. Regardless of etiology, behavior problems persist because of conditions in the current environment.

2. Treatment and support strategies must alter current prevailing conditions in order to be effective.

3. There are no bad seeds, only poor soil.

4. There are no quick and permanent cures; pervasive and durable improvement rests on generalized, long term service and support.

C. ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE TREATMENT:
1. Analysis of environmental and medical conditions exacerbating and maintaining the problem.

2. Arrangement of an environment which is as safe and nurturing as possible.

3. Provision of conditions which promote adaptive behavior and alteration of conditions which exacerbate maladaptive behavior.

4. Teaching and reinforcement of skills which serve as alternatives to problems, e.g. communication, coping with frustration and managing anger.

5. Design of effective contingency plans when problems occur.

6. Empirical determination of the effectiveness of treatment.

7. Programming arrangements for continued growth and durable improvement.

D. DIMENSIONS OF DESIRABLE SERVICE:

1. Focus on a manageable set of priorities and objectives at one time.

2. Continuity and stability across settings, people and time.

3. Provision of supports under high risk circumstances.

4. Demonstration of specialized expertise with the type of children needing service.

5. Objective evaluation of the effectiveness of service.

6. Monitoring and supervision systems that track the personnel, procedures and practices of service provision.

7. Caregiver training that is relevant, functional and performance based.

8. Systemic and comprehensive supports that reinforce rather than compete with service provision.

For additional information, contact:
JUDITH E. FAVELL, PH.D.
28308 Churchill-Smith Lane, Mount Dora, Florida 32757 (904) 735-0588
DENNIS T. REARDON, J.D.
4185 Kirkwood-St. Georges Road Bear, Delaware 19701 (302) 834-7018