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The challenge of the randomised control trial to psychotherapy research with people who have learning disabilities
- Author:
- BEAIL Nigel
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 4(1), March 2010, pp.37-41.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article examines key features of randomised controlled trials along with potential challenges that emerge when applied to evaluations of psychotherapeutic interventions with people who have learning disabilities. The randomised control trial is regarded as the gold standard among the methods used in treatment outcome studies, whatever the treatment. Many regard this approach as giving the clearest indication of the efficacy of treatment. This method imposes the highest level of control over other factors that may influence outcome so that the true effects of the treatment can be tested.
A videotaped self-modelling and self-monitoring treatment programme to decrease off-task behaviour in children with autism
- Authors:
- COYLE Catherine, COLE Peter
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 29(1), March 2004, pp.3-15.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The value of a videotaped self-modelling and self-monitoring treatment programme was investigated in the present study. The focus was the effect of the treatment programme on the off-task classroom behaviour of 3 male children with autism. The participants were aged between 9 and 11 years. Two of the children were described as severely autistic and the other was described as moderately autistic. All 3 had deficient cognitive skills. Each of the studies in the research project employed a single-subject withdrawal design. The first two studies followed an A-B-A design and the third followed an A-B-A-C-A design. The results indicated considerable decreases in off-task behaviour during the period of intervention. Both short-term and long-term maintenance gains were in evidence. The intervention was then reimplemented during follow-up and similar reductions in off-task behaviour were demonstrated. Attention theory was used to support the outcomes of the research.
A validity study of the Screening Tool of Feeding Problems (STEP)
- Authors:
- KUHN David E., MATSON Johnny L.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27(3), September 2002, pp.161-167.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The Screening Tool of Feeding Problems (STEP) was developed as a means to identify feeding problems presented by persons with an intellectual disability, for diagnosis, treatment and evaluating treatment outcome. Rarely is assessment comprehensive and often problems are not identified until they are severe. Items for the scale were developed to target feeding problems identified in the literature in the areas of risk of aspiration, food selectivity, feeding skills deficits, food refusal and associated behaviour problems, and nutrition related behavior problems. The current study examines the validity of the STEP as a means to identify feeding problems.
Should actuarial risk assessments be used with sex offenders who are intellectually disabled?
- Authors:
- HAMS Andrew J. R., TOUGH Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 17(4), December 2004, pp.235-241.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective actuarial assessments are critical for making risk decisions, determining the necessary level of supervision and intensity of treatment. This paper reviews the history of organized risk assessment and discusses some issues in current attitudes towards sexual offenders with intellectual disabilities. The authors present two risk assessment tools (RRASOR and STABLE-2000) that appear to have practical utility with this population. Data are presented from a community sample of 81 sexual offenders who are intellectually disabled suggesting that the RRASOR may provide a useful metric of risk for this population. Dynamic risk is assessed using the STABLE-2000. This tool, based on 16 areas empirically associated with sexual recidivism, samples the individuals’ current behaviour, skill deficits and personality factors. Change in these factors serves to flag the supervisor to changing risk levels. In addressing the question of whether we should seek special risk measures normed on people with intellectually disabilities, given the current lack of alternative tools, the authors conclude that it is reasonable to make use of the risk assessments that have been validated on the general sex offender population.
Goal attainment scaling as a method of measuring clinical outcome for children with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- YOUNG Anita, CHESSON Rosemary
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 60(3), March 1997, pp.111-114.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Discusses one approach to measuring therapeutic impact - Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). The authors forward the case for GAS based on their own research regarding occupational therapy with children with learning disabilities. GAS is described and the factors relating to the setting of goals are examined. The main advantages are identified and GAS is seen to have benefits beyond those relating specifically to occupational therapy. The implications for multidisciplinary teamworking are examined and, in particular, it is asserted that co-workers may acquire, through the goal-setting process, realistic expectations of clients. The audit of therapeutic goals is seen to have the potential to inform decision making regarding treatment options. In conclusion, GAS is advocated as a particularly appropriate evaluative tool for the 1990s.