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Abstracto

Efficacy of differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors (DRA) in treating co-morbid behavioral issues among children with Down syndrome

Saleha Bibi*, Abdur Rashid and Misbah Waqar

Introduction: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors (DRA) in treating co-morbid behavioral issues among children with Down syndrome.

Rationale: Following reasons were the motivations for the researchers: (1) No prior study in Pakistan has addressed this issue, and (2) to scientifically study efficacy of DRA as a treatment option for behavioral disorders.

Population: Children with Down syndrome admitted at Army Special Education Academy Sample Size: 20

Sampling Technique: Simple Random Sampling (probability sampling)

Locality: Army Special Education Academy

Research Design: Pre and post research

Procedure: 20 children with Down syndrome participated in this study. Initial screening was done and only those children were selected who scored high (severe behavioral problems) in â??child problem behavior checklistâ??. DRA was applied for 2 months with 2 sessions per week.

Instruments: Child problem behavior checklist.

Statistical Analysis: Paired sample t-test.

Outcome: Findings of our study revealed that DRA is an effective treatment strategy for behavior problems among children with Down syndrome. Lower scores on child problem behavior checklist during post assessment suggested the efficacy of DRA for managing behavioral issues among children with Down syndrome.