PARENT-PROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIP IN BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT - A CASE-STUDY OF COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTION

In this study and a companion article (Fox et al., 1997), we present a ll investigation that uses multiple research perspectives to study com munity-based, family-centered behavioral support. This study describes the intervention strategies and quantitative analyses that were used to address the challenging behaviors of a boy with severe disabilities . A collaborative team that included the boy's mother designed and imp lemented functional assessments and hypothesis-based interventions in three settings: a drive-through bank, a large grocery store, and a fas t food restaurant. Data showed that the interventions reduced problem behaviors in all three settings and that concomitant increases were ob served in desirable mother-child interactions. Specific tantrums assoc iated with transitions through doorways were decreased substantially. Social validation data supported the efficacy and feasibility: of the support strategies. Tills quantitative analysis provides further testi mony for the use of positive behavioral support in complex, public env ironments.