Behavioral methods in mental retardation

Of the many advances in behavioral methods in mental retardation that have occurred during the period under review, four issues are particularly noteworthy. First, the functional analysis methodology for assessing and deriving treatment options for severe behavioral problems dominated the research, but probably had little impact on the welfare of individuals with severe behavioral problems. Second, investigations of a procedure derived from the concept of behavioral momentum suggested that the procedure might have general applicability in producing a behavioral change. Third, facilitated communication continued to be scrutinized for its scientific validity as a method of independent communication by nonverbal individuals with severe disabilities. Fourth, the shift in emphasis from skills-based to activity-based curricula changed the nature of skills training programs from the acquisition of isolated skills to producing life-style changes in individuals with mental retardation.