| Abstract: Integration of sound behavior analytic programs into active rehabilitation therapy after a traumatic brain injury is essential to meet common outcome goals. Whether the reduction of maladaptive behavior or development of functional skills, behavior analysts must be familiar with brain function and neurology as well as other therapy specialties that treat this population. Creating a behavior plan for brain injured individuals must account for changes in neurological function, physical, cognitive, and emotional deficits and complicated medical conditions that are common. Specific impairments or conditions may alter the methodology, approach, and potentially, the impact a behavior plan can have. Once developed, the behavior analyst must work closely with therapists across multiple disciplines, physicians, case managers, and families to implement the plan and maintain treatment integrity. This address will outline the challenges facing the behavior analyst in this setting and using examples from current programs, describe treatment options and appropriate program adjustments to maximize outcome. The objective of the address would be to further conceptualize curriculum for future behavior analysts interested in the field of brain injury rehabilitation. |
| Abstract: Applied behavior analysis is uniquely poised to tackle difficult questions about why human beings inflict harm upon themselves. Self injurious behavior has been the focus of a great deal of behavior analytic research, holding a unique place in ABA as it was the behavior assessed in the seminal article Toward a Functional Analysis of Self Injury. While a common problem among young men and women, self mutilation is not well researched by behavior analysts. This paper will take a historical and cultural look at self injury and self mutilation, note where the responses appear similar and in what aspects they may be different. Considerations for assessment and treatment will be discussed in an interactive, graphic and illuminating presentation. |