Outline of Considerations for Training Relative to a Model of Service for Challenging Behavior

The following document covers the topic of essential training and safety policies and procedures necessary for providing services to those with severe challenging behavior. The document focuses on describing recommendations for the policies, trainings, and competencies relevant to a model of effective service delivery for challenging behavior. Addressing the problem of challenging behavior in individuals with ASD requires that programs:

a) develop and implement policies that support best practices and provide sufficient resources to meet the needs of these individuals; b) ensure professional staff with clinical decision-making authority are qualified by training and experience, and licensed/certified to provide such services; c) ensure clients’ and caregivers’ needs are met by making referrals to other providers when appropriate; and, d) provide training to direct-care staff to ensure knowledge of professional ethics, rights of clients, competency about ASD, cultural responsiveness, and possess specific skills for the management of severe challenging behavior.

Training must be ongoing, and formal methods of assessing and monitoring competencies must be applied regularly and reported to senior clinical staff and senior management of the organization.

Bill Ahearn, PhD, BCBA-D, LABA New England Center for Children

Molly Bednar, BCBA, LBA Kenedy Krieger Institute

Louis Hagopian, PhD, BCBA-D Kennedy Krieger Institute

Allen Karsina, PhD New England Center for Children

Elin Thorvaldsdottir, BCBA New England Center for Children