Abstract

Although challenging behavior is widely studied, the impact of deinstitutionalization on such behavior remains unclear. This study explored whether institutional downsizing had an effect on injury to self and others among adults with intellectual disability during deinstitutionalization in Ontario (Canada). Longitudinal analyses were conducted using data collected on all persons residing in institutions (n=1012) with the interRAI Intellectual Disability instrument. Approximately 29% engaged in injury to self, 20% in injury to others, and 36% displayed both. Improvements in rates of injury to self and to others were seen over the course of deinstitutionalization, although not in all subtypes of behaviors. Living in the community alone is not sufficient to change challenging behavior; training is needed in institutions to reduce challenging behaviors to improve the person’s overall quality of life and facilitate the transition to the community.