Strategies to address challenging behaviour in young children with Down syndrome

Abstract

Children with Down syndrome are at an increased risk for engaging in challenging behaviour that may present problems within community, leisure, and educational settings, and, in many instances, precludes them from accessing these environments. Factors contributing to the occurrence of challenging behaviours include characteristics associated with the Down syndrome behavioural phenotype, increased incidence of illness and sleep disorders, and the way in which individuals in their environment respond to their behaviours. In this paper we describe the use of behaviourally based intervention strategies to address some of the specific challenges often seen in young children with Down syndrome. Through a series of case studies, the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions addressing challenging behaviour is demonstrated.

Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric issues in Down’s syndrome

“…Feeley and Jones (2008), in an extensive review of the literature, identified a small number of studies utilizing behavioural assessment strategies, as well as several intervention studies that addressed severe challenging behaviour in individuals with DS. Feeley and Jones (2008), in an extensive review of the literature, identified a small number of studies utilizing behavioural assessment strategies, as well as several intervention studies that addressed severe challenging behaviour in individuals with DS.…”

“…Feeley and Jones (2008), in an extensive review of the literature, identified a small number of studies utilizing behavioural assessment strategies, as well as several intervention studies that addressed severe challenging behaviour in individuals with DS. In the case studies analysed by Feeley and Jones (2008), these interventions show an effective decrease in challenging behaviours in children with DS. In the case studies analysed by Feeley and Jones (2008), these interventions show an effective decrease in challenging behaviours in children with DS.…”

A study of cluster behavioral abnormalities in down syndrome

“…The factors responsible for the challenging behaviors include characteristics associated with the Down syndrome behavioral phenotype, increased incidence of illness and sleep disorders, and the manner in which individuals in their environment respond to their behaviors. [4] Individuals with Down syndrome have frequently been described as having charming personalities in accordance with a positive Down syndrome personality stereotype. [5] Older children and young adults with Down syndrome have been described as having primarily positive mood and more predictable in their behavior.…”

The power of behavioural approaches – we need a revival

“…In the paper on changing behaviours that are not helpful, Feeley and Jones present 5 case studies -each one illustrating a different application of the behavioural approach and, together, provide the reader with a fuller understanding of the approach [5] . While the principle that behaviours persist or increase because they are providing the child with a reward applies in all situations, a variety of other factors need to be considered.…”

“…Therefore, I welcome the publication of two papers in this issue from Kathleen Feeley and Emily Jones demonstrating both the strengths of the approach for children with Down syndrome. One paper provides an example of using the behavioural approach to teach new skills [4] and the other paper demonstrates the power of the approach for changing unwanted behaviours [5] . In the paper, which focuses on new skills [4] , it is communication skills that are taught using the behavioural approach.…”