Approach to challenging behaviour: a family affair

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, research in the area of applied behaviour analysis has led to a rich knowledge and understanding of the variables that influence human behaviour. This understanding and knowledge has given rise to a range of assessment and intervention techniques that have been applied to individuals with challenging behaviour. Interventions have produced changes in the severity and frequency of behaviours such as self‐injury, aggression, and property destruction, and have also led to the acquisition of desired behaviours. While behaviour change has been achieved, families have expressed a desire for positive behaviour support approaches that adopt a family focus. Research and development of support frameworks that emphasise the interrelatedness of family members, and the child with a disability as part of his or her family, have gained prominence in the family systems literature. The present paper reviews some of the behaviourally based research in this area. Through the use of a case illustration, the authors discuss the links between behavioural support and family‐centred support systems for children with developmental disabilities. Theoretical and practical implications are considered and areas for future research are highlighted.