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Handbook of Childhood Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities Treatment pp 257–268Cite as

Treatment Approaches to Aggression and Tantrums in Children with Developmental Disabilities

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Part of the book series: Autism and Child Psychopathology Series ((ACPS))

Abstract

Aggression and tantrums refer to a wide range of behaviors (such as biting, hitting, screaming, etc.) which occur at high rates in the developmental disabilities population. Aggressive behaviors may cause harm to others and the individual, interfere with learning and skill acquisition, and have many social consequences for the individual labeled “aggressive”. Evidence suggests that behavioral interventions which target the function of a behavior are more effective and efficient in managing both aggressive and tantrum behaviors while pharmacotherapy approaches to aggression and tantrums are often ineffective and may result in more harm to the individual. Other considerations regarding the use of medications, staff and caregiver attitudes towards aggressive behavior, and future directions for studying aggressive behaviors are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Abigail Issarraras & Johnny L. Matson

Authors
  1. Abigail Issarraras
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  2. Johnny L. Matson
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Correspondence to Abigail Issarraras .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA

    Johnny L. Matson

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Issarraras, A., Matson, J.L. (2017). Treatment Approaches to Aggression and Tantrums in Children with Developmental Disabilities. In: Matson, J. (eds) Handbook of Childhood Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities Treatment . Autism and Child Psychopathology Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71210-9_15

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