Effectiveness of Positive Behavioural Support in Managing the Self-Injurious Behaviour in Children with Mental Retardation

Mental retardation is a permanent condition unlike many other diseases. It is a highly prevalent and highly disabling condition. The present study aims to examine the effectiveness of positive behaviour support as a whole package in managing self-injurious behaviour in children with mental retardation. Sample consisted of 6 participants with mental retardation, within the age range of 6 to 12 years. The present study follows before and after without control group design. Participant's general level of intelligence & adaptive behaviours were assessed by using Binet-Kamat test of Intelligence and VSMS respectively. Self-injurious behaviours were assessed by using Behavioral Assessment Scale for Indian children with Mental Retardation BASIC-MR (Part-B). 12 intervention sessions of Positive Behaviour Support were given on individual basis and after that BASIC-MR PART-B was used to get the post-test scores. Results suggested that positive behaviour support is effective in managing self-injurious behaviour in children with mental retardation. The effectiveness of positive behaviour support is discussed with respect to participants age and level of retardation also.