Outpatient Assessment of Aberrant Behaviour for a Child with Developmental Disability and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

We describe a multidisciplinary outpatient assessment service for children with developmental disability who exhibit aberrant behaviour such as aggression and self-injury. The assessment and treatment planning process of this service is described with a 7-yr-old boy who was diagnosed with moderate developmental disabilities and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. He had recently been expelled from special school due to aberrant behaviour. Referring professionals wished to identify methods to control his behaviour with a view to returning him to school. Results of the assessment indicated that aberrant behaviour was maintained primarily by escape and avoidance of academic tasks. Aberrant behaviour also seemed to be exacerbated by overactivity and poor attention during academic tasks. Recommendations based on the assessment findings included redesigning the classroom curriculum and a trial of stimulant medication.