Developing a Decision-Making Clinical Manual for Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behavior

People with ASD who exhibit challenging behaviors are at greater risk of harm to self or others, social isolation, exclusion from community activities, abuse and neglect, possible institutionalization and even death. However, clinicians still rely on isolated strategies to manage these behaviors, limiting access to safe and effective treatment plans.

This project aims to develop a comprehensive decision-making manual that guides clinicians and service practitioners serving autistic youth through best practices in the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behaviors. This manual will be in the form of both a written and video database, and will decrease barriers to access while giving people with autism more choice over their treatment options.

Once the manual is built, researchers will gather preliminary data on its feasibility, efficacy, and user experience. They will then pilot the manual with families served in the Severe Behavior Department at the Munroe-Meyer Institute and will modify the manual based on the data. Finally, researchers will design a plan for a multi-site randomized clinical trial in severe behavior programs nationwide.