Effects of Protective Equipment on Frequency and Intensity of Aggression-Provoked Staff Injury

We evaluated the effects of protective equipment on arm and scalp injuries caused by aggressive behavior in a child with autism. During intervention phases in a multiple baseline design, teachers wore arm guards and baseball caps. Wearing the protective equipment reduced the frequency and intensity of arm and scalp injuries. Overall daily frequency of aggression also decreased across baseline and intervention phases. The clinical implications of wearing protective equipment for injury prevention and reduction are discussed.