Behavior Management Services for Children With Autism/PDD

As a result of the varied and often persistent behavioral challenges of individuals With autism and pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and the need for their families/ caregivers to receive information, training, and hands-on support, there Will be a continued demand for behavioral support services. This article provides information about an outpatient behavior management clinic for children With autism/PDD that used approaches based on the principles of applied behavior analysis. Parent training Was an integral part of services that Were provided. Data are presented on the characteristics and service needs of 52 children With autism/PDD Who Were referred to the clinic over a 2-year period. The majority of referrals Were for children betWeen the ages of 5 and 13 years, and externalizing behaviors Were identified as the primary concern most often by families. Implications of the findings for service planning and delivery are discussed.