Interventions to reduce safeguarding-related behaviours in autistic children with an intellectual disability

Purpose This paper summarises three case studies conducted in a special school for autistic children and young adults with an additional learning disability, to reduce different safeguarding-related behaviours. There is limited research available for special schools in regards to managing behaviours that challenge that can result in safeguarding concerns for all those involved. The purpose of this paper is to share strategies that have been successful in decreasing behaviours and, as a result, reducing an individual’s vulnerability in general. Design/methodology/approach Strategies used to address safeguarding-related behaviours are described, to achieve a reduction in a target behaviour. The authors stress the importance of the strategies being easy to implement to allow others to continue with the approach at home and in the community. Findings In all case studies, the target behaviours reduced, positively impacting the social opportunities for the participants. The strategies implemented were designed to reduce the participants’ vulnerabilities in regard to safeguarding concerns and improve their access to learning. Originality/value Previous research in addressing safeguarding-related behaviours is limited, and these case studies showed how evidence-based strategies can be used to address concerning behaviours in special schools. It is important that strategies can be transferred consistently across all settings in order for them to be successful in all areas of the participant’s community.