Perspectives of Five Stakeholder Groups: Challenging Behavior of Individuals with Mental Retardation and/or Autism

Michael B. Ruef, University of Kansas Main Campus
Ann P. Turnbull, University of Kansas Main Campus
H. Rutherford Turnbull, University of Kansas Main Campus
Denise Poston, University of Kansas Main Campus

Article comments

© 1999 Sage Publications. This is the post-print version. The definitive version can be found online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/109830079900100106.

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author Michael Ruef was not yet affiliated with Cal Poly.

Abstract

Data from five focus groups, each representing a different stakeholder constituency interested in the challenging behavior of individuals with mental retardation and/or autism, were reported. Emergent themes across administrators and policy makers, families, friends, individuals with disabilities, and teachers and practitioners included current barriers faced; practical, positive solutions found; and preferences for helpful informational products concerning challenging behavior. Key recommendations focus on the implications of this information for research, training, and dissemination activities.