Providing intensive community support to people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour: a preliminary analysis of outcomes and costs.

The impact of a specialist community service on the lives of three people with challenging behaviour was assessed using single-case studies. The outcome measures employed recorded changes in adaptive behaviours, challenging behaviours and staff satisfaction with the interventions used. Improvements on the behavioural measures were observed for each client, and positive feedback was received from each of the staff groups concerned. The costs of providing these interventions in community settings were calculated and compared to the costs of alternative service options.