Application of a multimodal programme on a set of disruptive behaviors in a case of mental retardation

Abstract

This paper analyzes the application of a multimodal treatment on a complex set of disruptive behaviours in acase of mental retardation. The subject was atwenty four- year-old woman, with a moderate level of deficiency and a long history of institutionalization. The multimodal treatment combined extinction with instructions, cost of response, reinforcement of other behaviours and overcorrection, all of which were applied by trained cotherapists coming from the contexts in which the behaviour problems first appeared (residence and occupational workshop). The findings prove the treatment effective in both contexts. The discussion includes the implication of the findings, the importance of each technique and the need for a prolonged follow-up in this type of intervention.