We used exercise and snack
rewards as forms of behavior modification;
for the patient with intellectual
disabilities, we used play therapy
with sensory integration therapy,
such as games with large balls or
various textures, puzzles, and other
tools previously identified as positive
methods. Limit setting, with one
designated staff person per shift, provided
consistency and was effective
for patients with poor impulse control
and intrusiveness. Two patients in
particular responded to male security
“walk-throughs” by exhibiting better
anger control. They were noticeably
more responsive to limit setting by
male staff. Four patients learned to
request calming tools and replaced
acting-out behaviors such as profanity
and verbal threats with alternative
coping methods.