SELF-MANAGEMENT OF AGGRESSION IN AN ADULT MALE WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION AND SEVERE BEHAVIOR DISORDERS

Contemporary best practices suggest a multifaceted intervention to eff ectively manage, maintain, and generalize the reduction of maladaptive aggressive behaviors. This article outlines a community-based procedu re used to assist a twenty-five year old dually diagnosed male with a history of aggressive and antisocial behavior to develop self-manageme nt skills. A social-learning program was implemented which combined tr aditional behavior modification techniques with cognitive intervention strategies. The results were a significant reduction in the incidence of both physical and non-physical aggression, allowing the individual to maintain competitive employment and personal residence. The import ance of collaboration between professionals and family and a systemati c plan insuring staff consistency are discussed as underlying success in achieving self management of behavior.