Challenging Behaviour

'Challenging' behaviours are common among people with intellectual disabilities, resulting in significantly reduced quality of life. These may include aggression, self-injury, destructiveness, hyperactivity and inappropriate social conduct. This new edition provides a concise, accessible and contemporary summary of current knowledge about challenging behaviour, drawn from psychology, psychiatry, medicine and public health. Fully updated and revised, it includes comprehensive coverage of the epidemiology and aetiology of challenging behaviours, and evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness of different approaches to intervention. This edition contains significantly expanded sections on the emergence and development of challenging behaviour and strategies for prevention, at the level of both individuals and service systems. Essential reading for students undertaking professional training in health and related aspects of intellectual disabilities, including psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, teachers and social workers. This book is a key text for professional staff delivering health, educational and social care services to people with intellectual disabilities.

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The social context of challenging behaviour; 3. The epidemiology of challenging behaviour; 4. Biological influences; 5. Behavioural models: the functional significance of challenging behaviour; 6. Broader environmental influences on challenging behaviour; 7. Making connections; 8. The bases of intervention; 9. Intervention: assessment and formulation; 10. Pharmacotherapy; 11. Behavioural approaches; 12. The situational management of challenging behaviour; 13. Challenges ahead: adopting an evidence-based public health approach to challenging behaviour; References; Index.

'Challenging' behaviours such as aggression or self-injury significantly reduce the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. This book, fully updated and revised, summarises current knowledge about how these behaviours develop and what can be done to provide effective support for people with intellectual disabilities.

Eric Emerson is Professor of Disability and Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK and Visiting Professor, Australian Family and Disability Studies Research Collaboration, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Stewart L. Einfeld is Chair of Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Senior Scientist, Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.