The effects of a 3 day training course in the management of aggressive behaviour in services for people with autism spectrum disorders were investigated using a quasiexperimental design. An experimental group received training over a 10-month period and a contrast group, which had received training before this study, did not. Staff training increased carer confidence, but there were no training effects of measures of staff coping, support or perceived control of challenging behaviours. Staff reports of service user challenging behaviour management difficulties decreased in both the experimental and contrast groups. This study showed that staff training can increase staff confidence in managing aggression in people with autism spectrum disorders. Staff training and aggression 3 The effects of staff training on staff confidence and challenging behavior in services for people with autism spectrum disorders. Aggressive behavior in people with mental retardation in community settings is shown by approximately 2-15% of children and adolescents and approximately 10-15% of adults (Rojahn & Tasse, 1996.) Aggression has many negative consequences, including rejection by peers, staff and family members, exclusion from integrated settings, use of restrictive behavioral practices, increased use of psychotropic medications, injuries to self, peers and staff, and increased costs (McDonell & Sturmey, 1993.) In response to this
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