Prevention and early intervention for behaviour problems in children with developmental disabilities

Abstract

Various forms of behavioural and parent training interventions are effective at reducing the behaviour problems in children with developmental disabilities. However, research on prevention and early intervention continues to be relatively scarce. Further large-scale dissemination studies and effectiveness studies in clinical or applied settings are needed.

Using telehealth technologies to engage and support parents of children with disabilities: An evaluation of a novel telehealth parenting programme

“…While the need for further, more extensive research with a stronger methodological approach is apparent, the current study does provide some preliminary insights into the acceptability of telehealth parenting programmes for this unique population, along with guidance as to preferred method/s of access and support. higher levels of stress, worry and depression are common (Einfeld et al, 2013;Hauser-Cram, Warfield, Shonkoff, & Krauss, 2001;Herring et al, 2006). Problem behaviours are likely to be persistent over time (Einfeld et al, 2013;Emerson, 2003;Roberts et al, 2003) and may increase in severity (Stuttard et al, 2014).…”

“…For families of children with a disability, problem behaviours such as tantrums, aggression and self-injury can be difficult to manage, emotionally distressing and disruptive to everyday routines and activities (Einfeld et al, 2013;Reichman, Corman, & Noonan, 2008;Roberts et al, 2003). Left untreated, behaviour problems may threaten the personal health, safety and well-being of the child as well as their inclusion in social, educational and community activities Stuttard et al, 2014).…”

“…With strong support for the efficacy of evidence-based parenting interventions in improving child outcomes in both typically-developing children (Dretzke et al, 2009;Gardner, Hutchings, Bywater, & Whitaker, 2010;Kazdin, 2005;Lundahl et al, 2006) and (to a more limited extent) children with a disability (Einfeld et al, 2013;Hudson & Gavidia-Payne, 2002;Plant & Sanders, 2007;Roberts et al, 2003; programmes that enhance parents' self-sufficiency in managing their children's behaviour and environment have become a common route for early intervention . Despite the growing availability of evidence-based parenting interventions, research suggests that many parents who might benefit from such programmes do not access them (Baker & Sanders, 2016;Douma, Dekker, & Koot, 2006;Gross et al, 2011) with a number of logistical and personal barriers (such as cost, work, access to appropriate carers, perceived social stigma and so on) challenging participation in these traditionally 'face-to-face' interventions (Daneback & Plantin, 2008;Gega, Marks, & Mataix-Cols, 2004;Nieuwboer, Fukkink, & Hermanns., 2013a).…”

“…Left untreated, behaviour problems may threaten the personal health, safety and well-being of the child as well as their inclusion in social, educational and community activities Stuttard et al, 2014). The While there is a strong evidence base to attest to the efficacy of parenting interventions in improving child and parent outcomes in both typically-developing children and children with a disability (Barkley, 2013;Baker & Sanders, 2016;Dretzke et al, 2009;Einfeld et al, 2013;Enebrink et al, 2012;Kazdin, 2005;, low participation rates at a population level remain a significant and ongoing challenge . One promising avenue for extending the reach of parenting programmes is through the development of more flexible modes of delivery, such as self-help and telehealth interventions (Enebrink et al, 2012;Ingersoll & Berger, 2015).…”

“…Despite the acknowledged potential of these emerging telehealth technologies, and the proliferation of teleheath interventions more broadly, there remain few empirically-validated parenting programmes currently available in an online or telehealth delivery modality (Baker & Sanders, 2016). This suggests that interventions that target, and/or include, adaptations to meet the specific needs of parents and caregivers of children with a disability are likely be even more limited in availability.It is well established that children with disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing behavioural problems compared with typically developing children, (Baker et al, 2003;Emerson, 2003;Roberts, Reid, Taylor, & Mazzucchelli, 2003;Sofronoff, Jahnel, & Sanders, 2011) while parents and caregivers of children with disabilities experience more stress, worry and depression (Einfeld, Tonge, & Clarke, 2013;Herring et al, 2006;Hudson & Gavidia-Payne, 2002;Stuttard et al, 2014). An early epidemiological study conducted by Rutter, Tizard, Yule, Graham and Whitmore (1976) suggested that children with intellectual disability are three-to four-times more likely to evidence behavioural and emotional problems than their non-disabled peers.…”