Working with an adult male with Down's syndrome, autism and challenging behaviour: evaluation of a programme of staff support and organizational change

✍ Scribed by David W. Newman; Lisa Summerhill; Ellis Mosley; Claire Tooth

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 110 KB
• Volume: 31
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1354-4187
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1468-3156.2003.00227.x

✦ Synopsis

Summary

The dual diagnosis of Down's syndrome and autism is a relatively rare clinical phenomenon. The identification of multiple diagnostic presentations in individual cases can bring a complex clarity to what is an initially confusing picture. This paper examines the case of a male who has Down's syndrome and has been referred to a Clinical Psychology Service because he is presenting with ‘severe challenging behaviour’. The paper provides: (i) a case history and rationale for the assessment of autism, (ii) a description of methodology incorporating a single case design and (iii) an intervention aimed at increasing staff awareness of autism, improving staff communication and implementing an integrated care plan across environments. It was hypothesized that an intervention incorporating these important organizational changes would support staff in meeting the client's needs. The success of the intervention was measured in terms of the frequency of (i) positive behaviours and (ii) challenging behaviours displayed by the client. Frequencies are charted and statistical analysis applied. Results illustrate a positive change in the day centre environment but no significant change in the home environment. These results are discussed in relation to methodological considerations and issues for future service provision.