The Behavior Problems Inventory-Short Form for individuals with intellectual disabilities: Part I: development and provisional clinical reference data (original) (raw)

The purpose of this study was to determine and illustrate the course of behaviour modification for a patient diagnosed with Mild Intellectual Disability who was referred for treatment at a private mental health facility. The patient was presented with complaints of throwing temper tantrums, aggressive and assaultive behavior when things are not done according to him, outburst of anger, overeating, lack of money management. The patient was assessed, diagnosed and a treatment plan was developed. Implemented treatment consisted of behavioural oriented psychotherapy. The intellectual assessment was conducted to assess the IQ level. Behaviour Analysis was conducted to identify the behaviour excess, behaviour deficits and behaviour assets. At the onset of intervention, clarification of the problem situations was done through antecedent, behaviours and consequences (ABC), motivational interviewing (MI) was also done as it has shown promising results in improving motivation to change and individuals' confidence in their ability to do so. It also examines how well a programme of positive reinforcement would be accepted in that particular environment. Behavior disorders are common in children with an Intellectual Disability (ID), it can create problems in everyday life. The diagnosis of an ID relates to a varied group of individuals, approximately 3% of the population, whose intelligence quotient is <70. They also have a wide range of needs and most display behavioural problems. Around 7-15% of people with ID have severely challenging behavioural problems. The nature and severity of these behavioural problems vary with the categorization of ID. In children with ID, the social environment in which they live and interact also shapes their behaviour. Having a child diagnosed with ID is stressful for family members and the child's behavioural problems can produce further stress and burden for parents and caretakers. Furthermore, behavioural problems also delay the child's learning in a number of settings, including at school and at home. Many children with ID in communities are isolated from their peers and are therefore deprived of interaction and play because of their behavioural issues. This isolation limits their chances to learn through observation and interaction with other children. Due to a deficiency of awareness and information, such behavioural problems are erroneously considered manifestations of mental illness. Nevertheless, in people with ID, behavioural problems do 1 Clinical Psychologist, M.Phil. Clinical Psychology (Rci), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.