Preparedness and Prevention into Treatment Programs: Where to Begin.

The paper presents case studies showing results of an interdisciplinary (I-Team) approach to behavior problems of five retarded residents of a group home. Stressed are the concepts of preparedness and prevention to individual case analysis and active treatment approaches. Individual case studies describe the I-Team's approach with such behaviors as self-injurious behavior, tantrums, and unacceptable behavior. A summary review of the five cases presents findings including that, although the influence of social learning appeared to be a variable in some cases, in others the apparent social learning variable was stimulated by a medical condition as well as psychological dependence on treatment. (MC)