Challenging behavior is not a diagnosis. It is behaviour of such an intensity, frequency or duration as to threaten the quality of life and/or the physical safety of the individual or others and is likely to lead to responses that are restrictive, aversive or result in exclusion. This definition is less pejorative, makes fewer assumptions about causality and reminds us that such behaviour is a challenge to services. Challenging behavior is more prevalent in those with an intellectual disability than those without with overall prevalence figures of 10–15% in those known to services. A number of long term high risk factors have been identified and evidence based interventions have included parent training and behavioural interventions. Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) is an intervention technology based on social, behavioural, educational, and biomedical science that combines evidence-based practices with formal systems change strategies, focused on both improving the valued lifestyle options available for an individual and reducing problem behaviours.
Informing the research agenda for optimizing audit and feedback interventions: results of a prioritization exercise
