ABSTRACT
In our corresponding chapter on severe behavior problems of people with mental retardation published in the second edition of this volume (Schroeder, Mulick, & Schroeder, 1979), we noted a dramatic shift from group outcome studies of etiology and nosological classification toward single-subject experimental and applied behavior analytic studies across the full range of mental retardation (MR). Once again in the past 15 years there has been a revolution in our thinking about behavior problems of people with developmental disabilities. At least 80% of the research literature on this topic has been published since 1979, (i.e., over 2,000 research studies and more than 100 reviews). Our purpose in this chapter is not to make an exhaustive review of all of these papers, but to highlight major findings and future trends and then to propose an integrated approach to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
