Intervention strategies concentrate on the developing alternative social and communication skills, and environmental conditions that may affect behavioral patterns. Often additional recommendations are received from the consulting psychiatrist and psychologist. Referrals may be made to other medical specialists or to communication specialists. Reactive strategies are also devised to intervene in challenging behavior. These include crisis prevention plans to assist families and service providers.
Ongoing consultation regarding the implementation of specific interventions is provided.
As possible, the SSP directly or via other specialists in the community provides educational materials and training on specialized issues. The SSP team follows referred individuals for a year from service commencement. Follow-up enables SSP to keep informed of the individual's adjustment following services, offer assistance, and maintain evaluation of service effects. The ethnic composition of referrals is similar to that of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Referred individuals have ranged in age from 8 to 67 years, with an average of 29.6 years.