Supporting the Inclusion of a Student with Asperger Syndrome: A Case Study using Conjoint Behavioural Consultation and Self‐management

Abstract

Conjoint behavioural consultation (CBC) is an indirect form of service delivery that combines the resources of home and school to meet the academic, social and behavioural needs of children. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the utility of CBC as a service delivery model for supporting the inclusion of a student with Asperger syndrome in a mainstream setting. A case study methodology was employed to assess the effectiveness of an evidence‐based intervention (self‐management) delivered in the context of the CBC model. Results indicated a significant increase in teacher ratings of behavioural control (on‐task and compliant behaviour) from baseline to treatment. Clinically meaningful changes in parent and teacher perceptions of challenging behaviour were evident. Measures of treatment acceptability and effectiveness, treatment integrity and consumer satisfaction also yielded positive results. This exploratory study provides support for the use of CBC as a framework by which to join parents and teachers in the delivery of effective behavioural interventions for students with high functioning autism spectrum disorders in mainstream settings. The findings are discussed in relation to the limitations of the study, and to future research directions and implications for practice.

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