Intensive positive behavior supports for adolescents with acquired brain injury: long-term outcomes in community settings.
BACKGROUND
Based on the technologies of applied behavior analysis and person-centered planning, positive behavior support is a process for designing and implementing proactive behavioral interventions with the goal of positive lifestyle changes.


METHODS
The two adolescents who received the intensive, longitudinal, multicomponent intervention had experienced escalating behavior challenges over several years after brain injury in early childhood.


METHODS
Quantitative data included episodes of aggression and property destruction. Qualitative data included intensity of supports, family involvement, peer relationships, medication regime, vocational status, educational status, community access, and self-help skills.


METHODS
A long-term, natural-environment, case-study method was used.


RESULTS
The targeted challenging behaviors were reduced to zero. In addition, the participants' domains of activity increased and self-management improved even as supports were systematically withdrawn.


CONCLUSIONS
These results illustrate the potential for successfully treating extreme chronic behavior disorders after childhood brain injury.
Gardner
Rita M
RM
Melmark New England, Woburn, Mass 01801, USA.
Bird
Frank L
FL
Maguire
Helena
H
Carreiro
Rui
R
Abenaim
Nicole
N
D000293:Adolescent; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors