Movement to the community: reduction of behavioral difficulties.
Increased frequency of maladaptive behaviors regularly occurs with individuals moving from large institutions. This inquiry focused upon change in targeted behaviors exhibited after one full year living in a normalized community setting by 8 adults who had lived an average of 17 years in institutions. Results revealed that maladaptive behaviors exhibited in institutions decreased significantly after one year in a 4-person community group home. Group home staff anticipated adaptive behavior and did not recognize as many problems as did institutional staff. Appropriate behaviors started to increase very quickly and inappropriate behaviors decreased.
Belcher
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Better Community Living, Inc., New Bedford, MA 02740.
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003688:Deinstitutionalization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged