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    A Multi-Component Approach to Reducing Self-injury in the Natural Environment

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    Courtemanche_ku_0099D_12393_DATA_1.pdf (2.530Mb)
    Issue Date
    2012-12-31
    Author
    Courtemanche, Andrea Beth
    Publisher
    University of Kansas
    Format
    105 pages
    Type
    Dissertation
    Degree Level
    Ph.D.
    Discipline
    Applied Behavioral Science
    Rights
    This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
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    Abstract
    Past research has demonstrated that a variety of medical/pharmacological and behavioral strategies may be effective at reducing self-injury for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of these interventions is rarely evaluated in the natural environment. Also, teachers, who are responsible for the care of these individuals, are often not adequately trained in the use of these procedures. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate treatments for reducing self-injury that combine both behavioral and medical components in the natural environment with a comprehensive staff training package. Three participants (ages 15-48) diagnosed with a profound IDD/autism, who engaged in severe self-injury, participated. A multi-component treatment package was developed for all participants including 1) reinforcing the absence of self-injury and reinforcing communication, 2) blocking self-injury with redirection to appropriate activities, 3) environmental enrichment, and 4) an individualized intervention to address medical and biological influences on self-injury. After the effectiveness of this intervention package was demonstrated, a staff-training package that included feedback and contingent money was evaluated with three of the participants' teachers. The multi-component package was effective at reducing self-injury by 50% for all participants when implemented by the investigators. All teachers were able to consistently implement the intervention plan and produce reductions in self-injury when they received feedback and money regarding their use of the procedures. The multi-component intervention was effective at reducing self-injury and teachers were able to consistently use the intervention in the natural environment. Teachers should receive consistent feedback regarding their use of the procedures so that reductions in self-injury can be maintained in the absence of the investigator.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/13018
    Collections
    • Applied Behavioral Science Dissertations and Theses [149]
    • Dissertations [4475]

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    KU Libraries
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    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
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    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

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