It is argued that challenging behaviours can be better understood if a correlational analysis (looking for correlations between the occurrence of the behaviour and other variables) is used in addition to functional analysis. A case example is provided of a man whose aggressive outbursts were negatively correlated with trips out of his unit. Emerson (1995) notes that people with learning disabilities who show challenging behaviours are more likely to be abused, to be treated with powerful psychotropic medication, to be denied access to community based facilities and to be placed in unstimulating institutions. In addition their behaviour is likely to be a major source of stress to their carers, and to persist over many years. Helping these clients is therefore a major priority of both service providers and researchers.
Introduction