We are proud to share that Robin Landa, PhD, Senior Director at the Mallie M. Ireland Children’s Center, has co‑authored a groundbreaking study recently published in the Education and Treatment of Children journal.
The article, Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behavior Evoked by the Restriction of Hoarding, focuses on understanding why some children and adolescents exhibit challenging behaviors when access to hoarded items is restricted. The research is particularly relevant for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions, where control over preferred items can strongly influence emotional and behavioral responses.
Dr. Landa and her co-author, Emily K. Sullivan, used detailed functional analyses to identify triggers for hoarding-related behaviors. They then designed individualized, skill-based interventions that not only eliminated challenging behaviors but also taught participants practical functional skills — all implemented in real-world caregiving environments.
The findings provide caregivers, educators, and behavior specialists with evidence-based strategies to support children compassionately while reducing stress for both children and their families.
This study highlights Robin’s commitment to combining compassionate care with innovative research, ensuring that children at the Mallie M. Ireland Children’s Center receive the highest quality support tailored to their individual needs.