Introduction to the Special Issue: Interventions to Reduce Challenging Behavior Among Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This editorial is a signpost, not a study—go straight to the 12 trials it introduces.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Davis et al. (2018) wrote a short editorial. It opens a special issue on autism and challenging behavior.
The piece lists 12 new intervention studies. It gives no data and tests no treatment.
What they found
There are no results to report. The paper is a table of contents in prose form.
How this fits with other research
The editorial gathers work that extends older findings. Chiang (2008) showed half of non-verbal kids use hitting or screaming to request or reject. The 2018 issue adds new ways to replace those signals with words or pictures.
Reid et al. (2005) warned that early severe behavior plus poor language often lasts into adulthood. Several 2018 studies echo this and test early, intense language-plus-behavior packages.
Höfer et al. (2017) found up to a large share of families try special diets or supplements. None of the 12 behavioral studies in the 2018 issue test diets, so the gap remains.
Why it matters
Use this editorial as a quick map. It points you to 12 fresh studies you can actually apply. If you need proven tactics for escape, self-injury, or stereotypy, skip the editorial and read the trials it lists.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is on the rise. In addition to the social communication skill deficits and restrictive repetitive behaviors and interests, many individuals with ASD engage in challenging behavior. Challenging behavior is associated with a multitude of negative outcomes. Challenging behavior may cause harm to the individual with ASD as well as limit opportunities for educational, vocational, and social participation and development. In addition, caregivers experience high stress and low quality of mental health. As a result, challenging behavior warrants intervention that is specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of individuals with ASD. The purpose of this Special Issue is to showcase recent research in the treatment of challenging behavior for individuals with ASD. This two-part Special Issue contains 12 studies that range from systematic and quality reviews of the intervention literature, to innovative treatment approaches, to studies that develop and evaluate treatments for restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interests.
Behavior modification, 2018 · doi:10.1177/0145445518755349