Reducing severe problem behaviors in individuals with intellectual disabilities
Official title: A Single-Arm Pilot trial for Mitigating Relapse of Severe Problem Behavior
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-10885635 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who struggle with serious behaviors like self-injury and aggression, by using special communication training to make it easier for them to express their needs and feelings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $213,209 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD112724-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885635 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who exhibit severe problem behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have intellectual or developmental disabilities or who do not exhibit severe problem behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates effective methods to reduce severe problem behaviors, such as self-injury and aggression, in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The approach focuses on behavior-analytic treatments, particularly functional communication training, which is implemented in specialized settings by trained staff. The study aims to address challenges that lead to relapse of these behaviors when treatment is generalized to new environments or when alternative reinforcements are diminished. By understanding these relapse phenomena, the research seeks to improve the long-term effectiveness of behavioral interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective strategies for managing severe problem behaviors, improving the quality of life for individuals with IDD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that behavior-analytic treatments can be effective in reducing severe problem behaviors, but this specific approach to addressing relapse is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Falligant, John — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Falligant, John
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.