The diets of three individuals with profound mental retardation and histories of coprophagia (ingestion of feces) were supplemented with a nutritionally complete elemental diet called Vivonex, resulting in decreases in the frequency of coprophagia in all three cases. (DB)

The oral opiate, naltrexone, was used in a double-blind placebo-controlled study with two young profoundly mentally adults who exhibited intractable self-injurious behavior. No measurable effects on the self-injurious behavior were observed. (Author/DB)

A double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted to assess the effects of intermittent drug therapy on stereotyped and collateral behaviors of six profoundly mentally retarded, institutionalized, adult males. Despite a marked reduction in medication, there was no general change of clinical significance in any of the behaviors. (Author/DB)

Analog baselines are an experimental methodology for identifying the functions of maladaptive behavior of individuals with developmental disabilities in naturally occurring environments. This article identifies potential limitations of this methodology, including: fidelity of baseline design conditions, a narrow analysis of behavior, and limited…

This study compared guided compliance versus time out as a method of promoting child adherence to adult requests. Time out effected larger increases in percentage compliance among four of five participating children (ages three to six years) with mild developmental disabilities. (Author/DB)

This case study of a woman with profound mental retardation and a history of severe self-injurious behavior (SIB) found that the dramatic decrease in SIB following Naltrexone administration was maintained through placebo and no drug phases and at six-month follow-up. Findings are discussed in terms of endogenous opioid system theories of SIB. (DB)

A case study of a 25-year-old man with moderate mental retardation who engaged in self-injurious behavior included a functional analysis to determine the effects of the presence and absence of respite care. Results demonstrated a relationship between the presence of self-injury and the occurrence of respite care the previous evening. Altering the…

This case study focused on an adult with severe disabilities and multiple problem behaviors fitting a pattern of behavioral escalation. Functional assessment indicated that use of rule statements by the teacher was related to occurrence and escalation of problem behaviors. Elimination of rule statements was an effective instructional intervention…

A study of 16 individuals with severe and profound mental retardation and 16 direct-care staff from a residential facility investigated changes in interactive behaviors between clients and staff. Results found that, after staff training, there were slight positive increases in staff interactions with the residents. No consistent change was found…

A function-based behavioral treatment package was developed for an 18-year-old male with mild mental retardation in a specialized inpatient unit for treatment of severe destructive behaviors associated with school refusal behavior. Treatment goals were achieved relatively quickly and follow-up data indicated treatment effects were durable.…