title: The effect of active support training on engagement, opportunities for choice, challenging behaviour and support needs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate active support (AS) training and to investigate changes to perceived engagement in domestic tasks, opportunities for choice, frequency of challenging behaviour, and level of support needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 12 adults with ID aged 27-57 years (M = 37 years) residing in three group homes, and their support workers. The support workers completed assessments on three occasions (at baseline, post-training, and at follow-up).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Residents' engagement in domestic tasks increased over time, and overall choice increased, although perceived choice in two life domains initially increased, but decreased to baseline levels at follow-up. Residents exhibited an overall decrease in anxiety, self-absorbed behaviour, disruptive behaviour, and problem behaviour in general. There was also an overall decrease in perceived support needs for five activity domains, with no change for one domain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results contribute to a growing body of evidence demonstrating favourable outcomes of AS in terms of engagement and challenging behaviour in people with ID. Surprising results are presented for choice and perceived support needs, warranting further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. stella.koritsas@med.monash.edu.au
authors.forename: Stella
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Koritsas
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Iacono
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Leighton