Supervising support staff in naturalistic behavioural intervention: process and outcome

The effectiveness of "second generation" behavioural intervention was evalu ated in a naturalistic therapy programme for adults with intellectual disab ilities and behaviour problems. Naturalistic interventions involve lifestyl e changes, altering the social ecology of community settings, and understan ding clients' needs, rather than simple contingency management of individua l behaviours. This approach was compared to traditional behaviour analysis stressing positive reinforcement. All interventions were designed and condu cted by support staff in community-based facilities, and implemented within a supervision model, using psychology consultants to provide direction but not to design specific programmes. Serious behaviour problems were success fully ameliorated by both types of intervention, but the naturalistic treat ments proved more likely to result in significant changes in clients' quali ty of life, were more likely to be continued, and resulted in improved staf f relationships with clients.