A follow-up study of the development of mentally retarded individuals placed in the community compared with a sample who remained in a residential center

The present study was designed to examine group differences for both adaptive and maladaptive behavior change in matched samples of institutionalized and deinstitutionalized individuals specifically designated under the Federal ICF/MR 2126 Title XIX Waiver. Group differences were examined using the Behavior Development Survey and other variables which included vision, hearing, and ambulation. In addition, hours of program service both away and at the living areas were compared as was prescribed medication and dosages. The results showed that after a four year period no substantial or statistically significant differences were found with respect to both adaptive and maladaptive behavior change. However, differences were found concerning hours of program services per month and medication use. The results are discussed in terms of generality, the suitability of the BDS for the study of adaptive and maladaptive behavior changes with mentally retarded individuals, and implications for the prevailing philosophy for movement of mentally retarded individuals from large facilities to small community-based living arrangements.