Self-injurious behavior occurs in almost half of those with autism and is one of the most devastating and challenging-to-treat behaviors. There are many different forms of self-injury, such as head banging, hand biting, hair pulling, excessive scratching, and much more. With contributions from the leading experts in research and treatment, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of self-injurious behavior (SIB) in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or related developmental disabilities, and the different methods available to treat them. Medical and behavioral researchers have studied SIB for over 50 years, but many practitioners and parents are still unfamiliar with the wide range of contributing causes and treatment options. Beginning with an explanation of SIB and its various forms, the contributors outline the many possible underlying causes of self-injury, such as seizures, hormonal imbalance in teenagers, gastrointestinal conditions, allergies, and stress, and show how a multi-disciplinary approach when uncovering the causes of self-injury can lead to successful treatment strategies. They explain the treatment options available for SIB, including nutritional, medical, psychiatric, sensory, and behavioral approaches, and show how an integrative approach to treating self-injury may be effective for many individuals. The book will be an invaluable addition to the bookshelves of any practitioner working with people with an ASD or related condition, as well as parents and direct care providers.

Problem behaviors often compound the already difficult task of improving the lives of persons with severe disabilities. This important volume, representing the culmination of more than a decade of clinical research, presents the first complete description of the procedures used in Functional Communication Training--a positive approach for reducing severe behavior problems. The procedures described in this book have been validated by numerous empirical studies for use with children, adolescents, and adults who display behaviors as diverse as aggression, self-injury, tantrums, and bizarre, psychotic speech.
Functional Communication Training involves teaching students how to communicate those basic wants and needs that they have previously sought to have fulfilled via their problem behavior. They are taught to "replace" their challenging behavior with learned communication skills.
This book provides the practitioner with step-by-step instructions for implementing this effective approach. A variety of assessment strategies are reviewed and described to assist in determining appropriate interventions. "The Motivation Assessment Scale--"one device designed to assess the function of problem behavior--is outlined in detail and is accompanied with guidelines for its administration and interpretation. Communication training is then detailed and illustrated using speech, sign language, and augmentative systems as examples. Numerous case examples throughout illuminate both the assessment and intervention strategies.
Providing clear direction for ameliorating complex behavior problems, this book will be valued by psychologists, behavior analysts, special educators, and speech and languagetherapists. It can be used as a text for advanced undergraduate courses on behavior management in psychology and special education, and also serves as supplementary reading for courses on behavior modification or mental retardation/developmental disabilities.

This book provides a comprehensive outline of the major parent training programs for parents of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Parents or primary caregivers spend the most time with a child, and training them in behaviour management and intervention strategies is critical to improving a child's behaviour, to helping them to learn new skills, and to reduce parental stress. Authored by eminent specialists in the field and written for researchers and clinicians supporting or treating families, each chapter focuses on one of the key evidence-based parent training programs - from Incredible Years (R) and Positive Family Intervention through to Pivotal Response Treatment and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Each chapter provides a breakdown that features an introduction to the model, evidence for the model, a full description of the model, a discussion of implementation and dissemination efforts, and concluding comments. Grounded in research, this definitive overview provides the evidence and guidance required for anyone considering investing in or running a parenting program.

Many children experience sleep problems and their parents often seek help for what can be a nightly disruption to the entire family. Difficulty getting a good night's sleep can also impact a child's functioning during the day. In addition, sleep problems often accompany and can contribute to other disorders. Despite common belief, children do not simply 'grow out of' most sleep problems. While medications are often prescribed, they may have serious side-effects and have not been proven effective in children. However, there is more than twenty years of psychological research supporting non-pharmacological interventions for children's sleep problems.
This comprehensive guide provides intervention options for a wide variety of sleep problems, including bedtime disturbances, night waking, sleep terrors, and nightmares. It also addresses sleep hygiene, bedwetting, and other sleep-related issues. It uses a modular format, starting with a thorough assessment of the child's sleep problems and the family's ability to intervene. Each intervention module outlines how to instruct families in selecting an intervention and carrying it out successfully. A companion workbook for parents includes detailed steps for intervention, as well as recording forms for sleep and behavior.
Used as a stand-alone management program for pediatric sleep problems or as part of treatment for other childhood disorders, this guide is an essential resource for clinicians.

Happier lives. Less stress. Family harmony. That's what all parents of children with challenging behaviour want. Learn how to get there with this groundbreaking guide to confident, skillful, and positive parenting. A book you'll want to share with every family you know, Optimistic Parenting helps parents and other caregivers develop more positive thoughts and perceptions - a key ingredient of successful parenting and effective behaviour management. With keen insight, gentle humour, and practical tools and strategies, Mark Durand delivers both philosophical hope and practical help to parents of children with a wide range of challenges. He guides parents step by step through the process of: * Pinpointing the "why" behind challenging behaviour. * Tuning in to their own thoughts, emotions, and self-talk. * Understanding how their thoughts affect their interactions with their child. * Interrupting negative thoughts and replacing them with positive, productive ones. * Achieving a healthy balance between taking care of their own needs and their child's needs. * Using effective emergency strategies when quick behaviour intervention is needed. * Implementing long-term strategies for lasting behaviour improvements. * Weaving functional communication training into everyday routines and interactions. * Addressing the most common problem areas, such as sleep and transitions. * Increasing mindfulness and parenting "in the moment". Engaging stories from the author's extensive experience illustrate how parents and other caregivers can develop more effective behaviour management techniques. And practical tools and exercises, developed and tested during Durand's decades of work with thousands of parents, help families on their own journey to better parenting and happier lives. A lifeline for overwhelmed parents - and a great source of insight for the professionals who work with them - this highly motivating guidebook will help families reduce children's challenging behaviours and approach the future with optimism and confidence.

From bedtime tantrums to bedwetting, sleep problems can be one of the biggest sources of worry and frustration for parents of children with special needs. Help is here in this down-to-earth, nonjudgmental guide, packed with widely tested, easy-to-use techniques that work for all children, with and without disabilities. This fully updated edition includes help for parents who usually struggle with nighttime problems. Without preaching or proposing a "one right way" to solve problems, psychologist and father Mark Durand helps families tackle sleep issues with optimism and proven strategies drawn from clinical and personal experience. A must-own for tired parents everywhere, this warm and wise guidebook will put sleep problems to bed and help whole families get the rest they need. THE BETTER-SLEEP GUIDE FOR EVERY FAMILY:

• Highly effective strategies for children with special needs such as autism, Tourette syndrome, and cerebral palsy
• Research-based solutions to even the toughest nighttime challenges
• Tested with thousands of families
• Respects individual differences in families--offers different options to fit different parenting philosophies
• Helps parents develop a positive outlook and attitude as they work to resolve their child's challenges
• Includes help for parents who struggle with their own nighttime problems
• Flexible--parents can pick and choose strategies and modify them as needed
• Valuable background information on understanding and assessing sleep problems

PRACTICAL MATERIALS:

• Sleep Diary
• Self-Talk Log
• Behavior Log
• Sleep Problems Scale
• Plus annotated lists of additional sleep resources

• Bedtime tantrums
• Night waking
• Sleep terrors
• Bed wetting
• Sleep schedule problems
• Sleepwalking and sleep talking
• Insomnia
• Tooth-grinding
• Periodic limb movements

Having a child with challenging behaviour can be frustrating and affect the entire family. This workbook will help you take a more positive attitude toward your child and carry out effective steps to improve behaviour. You will begin to feel more confident in your parenting skills and more optimistic about your child's future. The program outlined in this workbook will be tailored to your child's and family's needs and goals. It will teach you how to identify what sets off your child's problem behaviour, as well as what your child gets or avoids from misbehaving. You will learn strategies to prevent problems, manage consequences, and teach your child new skills. With the help of your facilitator you will design a behaviour support plan for your child. Finally, you will put the plan into effect and monitor the results. Throughout the program, you will be practising how to think more positively, which can help you be a better parent. In addition to working with your facilitator in session, you will be completing homework assignments using the workbook. Each chapter provides the information and forms you need to assess your child's behaviour, apply new strategies, and track your family's progress. As you support positive behaviour step by step, you will be working towards improving the lives of your child and your family.

Challenging behavior, while common, can have a significant negative impact on the lives of children and their families. A child's behavior problems can exacerbate developmental setbacks and disrupt overall family functioning. Furthermore, families of children with behavior problems are often at risk for drop out of intervention programs. This facilitator guide, along with the corresponding workbook, aims to assist parents who have difficulty completing parent training and implementing interventions. It uses a fresh and resourceful approach, combining principles of applied behavior analysis, tools of positive behavior support (PBS), and cognitive restructuring techniques. Parents begin be gathering information about what sets off their child's problem behavior, as well as what their child gets or avoids from misbehaving. They then learn strategies to prevent problems, manage consequences, and teach their child skills. A behavior support plan is designed that fits the family's needs and goals. Once the plan is put into place, it is monitored for effectiveness and adapted as necessary. Throughout the program, parents practice positive thinking skills, which can enhance their parenting abilities. This guide gives detailed instructions for conducting the optimism training and steering parents through the PBS process. The parent workbook provides assessment tools and forms to help the family carry out the intervention steps and track progress. The positive family intervention program may be useful for a variety of behavior problems and in conjunction with treatment for other disorders. It can be used with a range of ages and family situations. Facilitators working with families of childrenwith challenging behavior will find this an invaluable guide.

If your child suffers from sleep problems, you are aware of the toll it can take on your child and your family. You may hope your child will just 'grow out of it, ' but this is not usually the case. You may have tried giving your child medication, only to find it has little effect in the long-term. You may also be concerned about the serious side-effects these drugs may have in children.
This workbook will help you effectively manage your child's sleep problems without the use of drugs. Each module describes a different problem and gives options for treating it. Bedtime disturbances, night waking, sleep terrors, nightmares, and other sleep-related issues are all addressed in this workbook. It also includes a module on bedwetting. Working with your therapist, you will choose the best intervention options for your family. You can then follow the step-by-step instructions for carrying out each intervention.
This workbook is easy-to-use and complements the program described in the corresponding therapist guide. It includes questionnaires about your child and family, as well as forms for recording your child's sleep and behavior. Seeking professional help is an important step, but your participation is crucial to the success of treatment. With your help, your child can start getting a good night's sleep.