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Article 1: Iemmi, V., Knapp, M., & Brown, F. J. (2016). Positive behavioural support in schools for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities whose behavior challenges: An exploration of the economic case. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 20, 281–295. doi: 10.1177/1744629516632402

Learning Objective: 5.3 Identify evidence-based techniques to prevent and treat developmental disabilities. Apply learning theory to reduce challenging behaviors in youths with developmental disabilities.

Summary: Even when clinicians have identified evidence-based techniques to reduce challenging behaviors, it is sometimes difficult to secure funding to provide those interventions. This study examines the cost-effectiveness of such interventions and concludes that, in this small sample, the treatment was supported.

Questions to Consider:

1. Describe the motivation for this study. To what degree should cost-effectiveness be a consideration in treatment decisions?
2. What were the results of the study? What did you find more compelling—the change in behavior or the cost? Why?
3. This study was completed with a small sample. How would you test this in a larger sample?
    

Article 2: Willingham-Storr, G. L. (2014). Parental experiences of caring for a child with intellectual disabilities: A UK perspective. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 18, 146–158. doi:10.1177/1744629514525132

Learning Objective: 5.1 Describe the key features of Intellectual Disability and the way in which children with this condition can vary in terms of their adaptive functioning. Differentiate Intellectual Disability from Global Developmental Delay. List and provide examples of challenging behaviors shown by some children with developmental disabilities.

Summary: In this article, Willingham-Storr describes a thematic analysis of six research articles examining stress and parenting of children with intellectual disability. The results indicate that parents report both positive and negative experiences. However, most research has been conducted with mothers, limiting conclusions that can be drawn about fathers.

Questions to Consider:

1. Describe the results of the study. What factors appear to affect parent adjustment?
2. Much of the research examines traditional families. Do you expect that results would vary in less traditional homes? How should this be examined in future studies?
3. Summarize what is known about fathers’ adjustment. Why do you think that so little research has been done with fathers?