About Behavioral Analysis
Many children and adolescents with developmental disabilities also have behavior problems that interfere with development or functioning. It is estimated that 17% of U.S. children and adolescents with developmental disabilities have behavior problems. Factors that contribute to the development of behavior disorders vary greatly but typically include environmental and biological causes.
Indications of Problem Behavior
Problem behavior includes self-injury, aggression toward others, and property destruction. Untreated or inadequately treated, it increases the probability of more restrictive living and school placements, and increases family or caregiver stress.
How the Behavioral Analysis Clinic Works
- Care providers and their child first visit the clinic for an initial functional behavioral assessment.
- During their second visit, care providers work with clinic staff to develop and refine a behavior intervention plan that is individually tailored to the needs of their son or daughter and family.
- Clinicians then work with care providers in their home for the next month, teaching care providers the skills they need to reduce their son or daughter's behavior problems.
Nealetta Houchins-Juarez, M.A., B.C.B.A., (615) 322-9007
See Also...
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Links
- Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD)
TRIAD is a Vanderbilt Kennedy Center program dedicated to improving assessment and treatment services for children with autism spectrum disorders and their families, while advancing knowledge and training. - Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability
Clinic at Vanderbilt
The Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability
Clinic helps persons with intellectual disabilities, ages
17 and above, cope with the behavioral and mental
health challenges that can inhibit successful adult
life in the after-school years. Often these challenges
extend into later adulthood. The Clinic staff aid
individuals in improving self-worth, their relationships
with others, and their overall life satisfaction.
Other Links and Resources
- Conduct Disorders, Facts for Families
"Conduct disorder" refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems in youngsters. Children and adolescents with this disorder have great difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way. They are often viewed by other children, adults and social agencies as "bad" or delinquent, rather than mentally ill. Many factors may contribute to a child developing conduct disorder, including brain damage, child abuse, genetic vulnerability, school failure, and traumatic life experiences.
Printable Materials and Resources
Research and Disability Topics
