Treating Challenging Behaviours

A variety of procedures are used to assess and treat challenging behaviours presented by individuals with autism spectrum disorder are explored. Topics covered include functional behavioural assessment and functional analysis and scientifically validated techniques for the treatment of challenging behaviours, e.g., stereotypy, pica, aggression, self-injury, etc. Emphasis is placed on ethical considerations, such as using the least intrusive, least restrictive model and effective treatment. Students learn antecedent intervention strategies, schedules of reinforcement, extinction, differential reinforcement strategies, social stories, desensitization procedures and decelerative procedures.