- They are difficult to implement
- Require a significant amount of change from caregivers and others involved in the child's life
  - Ex: School supports, after school programs
- Behaviors get worse before they get better
  - Difficult for caregivers and teachers
- Limited access to well trained behavioral specialists in the public mental health sector

These combined barriers may cause caregivers to seek an easier solution, which is often psychotropic medications.

Cedarville University

- There are national guidelines in place recommending the use of nonpharmacological interventions 
  - Behavioral support plans
  -  Cognitive behavioral therapy
  -  Anger management
  - Mindful-based meditation 
Done BEFORE the consideration of psychotropic medications. 


Recommended Nonpharmacological Treatments for Challenging behaviors

McLaren, J. L., & Lichtenstein, J. D. (2019). The pursuit of the magic pill: the overuse of psychotropic medications in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the USA. Epidemiology and psychiatric sciences, 28(4), 365–368. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796018000604

The pursuit of the magic pill: the overuse of psychotropic medications in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the USA

Difficulties in Implementing Behavioral Interventions for Challenging Behaviors

There is very little research that has examined the effectiveness of nonpharmacological pain treatments in indviduals with IDD. Psychotherapy is a growing treatment for conditions like depression and anxiety, but there are few studies that look at its impact on pain management.

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