Context-sensitive behavioral supports for young children with TBI: short-term effects and long-term outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a multicomponent cognitive-behavioral intervention on the challenging behavior of two young children with growing behavioral concerns after traumatic brain injury. DESIGN: Single-subject reversal designs were used to document the effects of the intervention on the specific dependent variables. In addition, qualitative data were collected to determine the children's long-term outcome and staff evaluations of the intervention. PARTICIPANTS: Both children were normally developing before injury at age 5 years. Both experienced increasing behavior problems as expectations in school escalated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quantitative data included frequency and intensity of aggression and amount of work completed. Qualitative data included children's general engagement in school work and peer interaction and staff evaluations of the intervention. INTERVENTION: The intervention included components of positive behavior supports, cognitive supports, and an executive function routine. RESULTS: The targeted challenging behaviors were reduced to near zero with decreased intensity. Long-term outcome was positive. CONCLUSIONS: These results illustrate the potential for successfully treating behavior disorders in young children with traumatic brain injury using a support-oriented intervention that combines behavioral and cognitive components.