Trauma-Informed Behavioral Interventions: What Works and What Doesn't

by Karyn Harvey

In this book, the author describes ''what doesn't work'' by outlining the ways in which individuals with intellectual disability may have been damaged by the ''behavioral'' approach to their day-to-day actions. She demonstrates what has been missed through this Needs have not been met, individuals have been misdiagnosed, and trauma responses have been triggered through the exclusive use of behavioral controls, both positive and negative. The author then moves on to describe ''what works.'' She explores the topics of stabilization, prevention, intervention, and the ''mental health plan.'' She proposes a model of behavioral intervention that does not require the use of restraints or contingencies; instead it promotes safety and security and addresses the outstanding issues around trauma.Numerous case studies are discussed, but all the names and relevant details have been altered to protect individuals, staff, and agencies. The mental health plan template the author puts forward instructs and informs staff about how to support people who have experienced trauma, both on a small scale and on a large one. She provides examples of this approach with case studies and illustrates how the plans should be written to ensure optimal implementation. This book gives the professionals and paraprofessionals who have dedicated themselves to this field and to the welfare of individuals with intellectual disability a trauma-informed paradigm within which to support people with intellectual disability psychologically and to establish the critical elements needed for recovery. As the author states in her introduction, ''when the individual recovers, behaviors change. When the individual recovers, happiness can begin.'' Since 1876, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) has been providing worldwide leadership in the field of disabilities. AAIDD is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals and citizens concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD publishes books for professionals in developmental disability in the areas -Supported living
-Definition of intellectual disability
-Disability funding
-Positive behavior support
-Palliative care
-Quality of life
-Health

Genres: Counselling

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2012

Reviews

[Jordan Varey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think a good argument could be made for including this short book as required reading for Disability Service Workers, Managers, and Directors of community based agencies . The main argument of the text is for mental health planning in place of Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans (CBSP). The popular CBSP plans emphasize "behaviour" and teach staff that their core responsibility is to manage and control the person in their charge. In contrast, a Trauma informed model promotes mental health by attempting to increase a persons sense of safety, connectedness, and empowerment.

The focus is shifted from behaviour suppression/control to therapeutic supports and empathetic relationship building between staff and people with disabilities. For those familiar with Gentle Teaching this book may be especially useful as a support for the Philosophy of John McGee. One of the weaknesses of Gentle Teaching is its rootedness in one man and a lack of empirical evidence to support it. This book fills in some of the need for hard evidence in support of empathy, patience and gentleness as viable alternatives to behavioural control/modification techniques.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and affordable book that provides a strong argument for a paradigm shift from traditional behaviour support methods to a trauma informed model when working with clients diagnosed with an intellectual disability. As a previous reviewer asserts this could be presented as mandatory reading for staff at all levels of the disability services sector. Research and clinical insight is complimented by poignant case studies to develop an easy but informative read. The only minor criticism that could be made is the inclusion of EMDR therapy with no mention of research that suggests the eye movement component of this modality is not required to obtain positive outcomes. Despite this minor oversight the overwhelming majority of the content in this book is accessible, informative, and instructive. I highly recommend it to any family member, carer, advocate, or staff member involved with an individual who is diagnosed with an intellectual disability.