Communication-Based Intervention for Problem Behavior : A User's Guide for Producing Positive Change

Based on extensive field-testing and the dual principles that problem behavior often serves a purpose for the individual displaying it and that intervention should take place in the community, this user-friendly manual details methods for conducting functional assessments, communication-based intervention strategies, procedures for facilitating generalization and maintenance, and crisis management tactics.

Useful for handling intense behavior problems, this book will be invaluable for educators, supported employment and group home staff, behavior specialists, psychologists, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, medical staff, speech-language pathologists, family members, and others working with people who have developmental disabilities. Also included are case studies and checklists of things to do to ensure success.

Edward G. Carr, Ph.D., was Professor of Psychology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and a research scientist at the Developmental Disabilities Institute on Long island, New York. He worked in the field of developmental disabilities for over 25 years and contributed over 100 publications to the professional literature, primarily in the areas of problem behavior and communication. Dr. Carr lectured extensively and gave workshops throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He served on the editorial boards of 12 journals in the field of developmental disabilities and behavior analysis. Dr. Carr was a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and was listed in American Men and Women of Science. In 1981, he received a Certificate of Commendation from the Autism Society of America for his work on problem behavior, and in 1982 he received an award from the International Society for Research on Aggression for his book In Response to Aggression (co-authored with A.P. Goldstein, W.S. Davidson, and P. Wehr).

Len Levin, M.A., is an applied behavior specialist at the Developmental Disabilities Institute. He has been working with children with developmental disabilities for more than 10 years. Mr. Levin has provided technical assistance to service agencies throughout the New York metropolitan area. He was the on-site director for the clinical outcome project that provided the empirical evidence supporting many of the ideas and procedures described in this book.

Gene McConnachie, Ph.D., served as the director for several clinical research projects for the Research and Training Center on Positive Behavioral Support, and as a research associate at the Developmental Disabilities Institute. His interests include the development of intervention for aggression in children and youth, applications of behavior analysis to pediatric populations, and the processes that affect the maintenance of intervention effectiveness.

Jane I. Carlson, M.A., has been a special education teacher in both public and private school programs for people with disabilities. She is presently a Research Associate at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and directs several projects addressing intervention for severe problem behaviors and issues of community integration. Ms. Carlson has presented research and given workshops on these topics throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Duane C. Kemp, Ph.D., is Clinical Director of Adult Residential Services at the Developmental Disabilities Institute and is responsible for program planning in psychology, communication, vocational services, and staff training. He has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for over 16 years and has provided inservice training and workshops throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Dr. Smith is a New York State Licensed Psychologist. He has worked with children and adults with a variety of disabilities for over 20 years. His clinical and research interests include assessing and treating challenging behavior and functional communication training,