Abstract:
Summary Over the past 50 years an extensive body of research literature has investigated many aspects of challenging behavior in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The quantity of research perhaps reflects the impact that challenging behavior has on individuals with ASD and those that care about them, and for them. Challenging behavior has a range of negative effects for the individual performing the behaviors and for those around them (e.g., Emerson et al., 2000). Physical injuries, increased risk of isolation, neglect, and abuse from others are some of the consequences for the individual. Challenging behavior not only interferes with adaptive behavior instruction for the person and others around them, it also decreases the range of options in living, educational, and working environments. Those who live with people with challenging behavior (e.g., parents or residential staff), or are involved in their education and training, can suffer injury and/or increased stress.