Clearly, this process is a long and difficult one. Y et, this process is essential to best meet the needs of individuals who exhibit serious recurring aggressive, destructive, or self-injurious behavior. As previously stated, the majority of individuals with challenging behavior respond well to positive behavior support plans. In few cases, a temporary restrictive component within a positive behavior support plan may be necessary to effectively reduce a behavior that could cause serious harm to the individual or others.
Most often, positive procedures can safely decrease challenging behavior.
In summary, Autism New Jersey is committed to the dignity, welfare and progress of all individuals with
autism. Autism New Jersey supports the controlled use of restrictive procedures as a last resort and as outlined below. Autism New Jersey encourages all parents and professionals to adhere to procedural safeguards such as those listed below when considering a restrictive component within a comprehensive behavior support plan. Autism New Jersey opposes the use of restrictive procedures when these conditions are not met.
Essential Elements of Comprehensive B ehavior S upport P lans That Include a Restrictive P rocedure
Autism New Jersey believes that in rare situations restrictive procedures should be implemented only in accordance with the following conditions: 1. The individual’s basic needs are met on a continuous basis. These include a nutritious diet, satisfactory living space and accommodations, frequent and positive social interaction, therapeutic services, preferred leisure activities, and opportunities to be a valued and productive member of society. 2. The target behavior has the potential to cause harm to the individual, others, or the physical surroundings. 3. The frequency, severity, and/or duration of the behavior has not been sufficiently reduced or eliminated by positive interventions. These positive interventions must be comprehensive, implemented by trained personnel, documented, and have failed to reduce or eliminate the behavior. 4. The individual, parent, or legal guardian provides informed consent following a clinician’s thorough explanation of the objectives and limitations of the proposed option and alternative options. This explanation must be delivered in a developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive manner. Any modifications to the plan also require consent prior to implementation. 5. Review and approval of all planning and oversight committees are provided. a. An interdisciplinary team, such as I E P, IHP, or interdisciplinary team b. A behavior management committee – appropriately credentialed master- and doctoral-level behavior analysts and psychologists, who review behavioral treatment plans for clinical appropriateness and technical accuracy. c. An independent human rights committee – a group of community members who also evaluate behavioral plans from an ethical standpoint. Individuals should be knowledgeable about autism and effective treatment. 6. The individual has no known physical or medical conditions that would contraindicate the procedure. Medical personnel document their assessment and approval for the procedure. 7. A qualified behavior analyst or psychologist, with expertise using functional behavioral assessment and in developing positive behavior support plans, creates and supervises the assessment and intervention in accordance with professional and ethical standards. 8. A clear and specific definition of the behavior for which the procedure is provided. 9. Pre-intervention data are collected on the frequency, severity, and/or duration of the behavior and determined to constitute a danger to self or others.
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