Treatment for Challenging Behaviors: Are IDEA Part C Interventionists Using Functional Interventions?
Little is known about the specific practices of early interventionists, despite many young children receiving early intervention services through Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. The aim of this study was to examine knowledge and use of functionally appropriate evidence-based interventions for challenging behaviors among Part C interventionists. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews with a sample of 10 interventionists who served infants and toddlers with challenging behaviors in one region in the state of Florida. These interviews included questions about the interventionists’ own cases as well as vignettes representing common early childhood behavioral issues. Thematic analysis of responses resulted in six themes and one subtheme reflecting insufficient training and confusion regarding best practices in functional assessment and intervention for challenging behaviors. Although interventionists were using a variety of functional interventions, most were not implementing these interventions systematically. Implications for early intervention programs are discussed.