Comparison of eight individuals with mental retardation and severe, life-threatening, self-injurious behavior who received electrical aversive treatment with eight similar individuals who did not receive this treatment found that, over a 3-year period, electrical aversion treatment significantly reduced the degree of imposed mechanical restraints.…

Eighty-five British mothers of children with autism who were acting as therapists for their child's program completed a questionnaire. Results indicated that, although program variables were unrelated to maternal therapeutic self-efficacy, support received from the program, the severity of the child's autism, and maternal stress were significant…

This study, involving a man having profound mental retardation and demonstrating severe self-injurious behavior, found that a Therapeutic Shock Device (TSD) worn by the client and remotely operated was more effective than a previously used handheld shock stick, and it did not cause tissue damage. The client did not appear to find the TSD aversive.…

Studies assessing treatments for severe behavior problems of developmentally delayed persons were reviewed. Procedures used in the 382 studies, published from 1967-1987, were analyzed in terms of problem behaviors, side effects, and treatment methods. Also examined were number of studies reported yearly, maintenance and generalization of effects,…

The Autism Program at Camarillo State Hospital and Developmental Center (California) has implemented "deinstitutionalization" within a large facility by providing effective and appropriate treatment based on individual needs. This paper describes the design of treatment services, quality assurance mechanisms, medical care (including…