The Solihull Approach is a model that has been used successfully to provide training for health and social care practitioners who support children and families, and is based on the concepts of containment, reciprocity and behaviour management. This article describes a pilot project in which the two-day Solihull Approach foundation course was adapted for practitioners who care for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. The aim was to enhance their understanding of behaviour that challenges in this population.

A total of 11 participants completed the pilot programme. To evaluate the adapted training programme, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire before and after the course, and their responses were then compared. The trainers also recorded participants’ feedback continuously throughout the programme and summarised this in a reflective account. The findings of this service evaluation suggest that the Solihull Approach is transferable to the training of staff who support adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. However, several areas for further development were identified and a larger-scale evaluation is warranted.