Behavioural study 'significantly improves' lives of autism participants

The study measured the "frequency and intensity" of people's behaviour. Credit: Christoph Soeder/DPA/PA Images

A Jersey Behaviour Advisor has carried out a four-year study on islanders who have autism and/or a learning disability.

The study is the largest of its kind to ever be conducted and "significantly" improved the behaviour of most participants.

Dr Darren Bowring says his findings could impact how the UK supports individuals with challenging behaviour.

The study worked with nearly 90 islanders who had been referred to the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Service for their challenging behaviour.

The PBS team, which is part of the Health and Community Services Department, has three staff and receives around 100 referrals a year.

  • The study

The study measured the "frequency and intensity" of people's behaviour, and "looked at data about individual's health and quality of life".

The results showed that the PBS approach "made a real difference in terms of reducing levels of problem behaviour for people, but also making sure that they had better quality of life" says Dr Bowring.

The aim was to see the difference in having a community based team (PBS) that would keep people on the island and out of institutionalised homes.

According to the study:

Dr Bowring says the study "will have quite an impact and will showcase the work we are doing in Jersey".

Adding "Jersey is at the forefront of Positive Behaviour Support".