Advances in behavioural methods in intellectual disability

The development of research on functional analysis and assessments for skil ls deficits has continued to a considerable level of sophistication. Treatm ents tied to the specific results of assessment include noncontingent reinf orcement, differential reinforcement of communication, functional communica tion training, extinction and various methods of skills training. Based on these principles several authors have developed comprehensive treatment sys tems that have been evaluated in terms of the effects on individuals in gen eral, the effects across long time periods, and the effects on educational attainment and cost effectiveness. More recent studies have developed into new areas such as decision making, sexual abuse and problems related to emo tional difficulties. Curr Opin Psychiatry 12:561-565. (C) 1999 Lippincott W illiams & Wilkins.