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| Further Developments in the Assessment and Treatment of Sex Offenders with Developmental Disabilities |
| Monday, May 28, 2007 |
| 3:30 PM–4:50 PM |
| Annie AB |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Jorge Rafael Reyes (University of Florida) |
| Discussant: Carrie S. W. Borrero (Behavior Analysts, Inc.) |
| CE Instructor: Jorge Rafael Reyes, M.S. |
| Abstract: This symposium will include three papers on the assessment and treatment of sex offenders with developmental disabilities. In the first presentation, Jorge R. Reyes will show data from an investigation on the manipulation of pre-session factors on responding during an arousal assessment. In the second presentation, Astrid Hall will discuss the development of the portable plethysmograph and show data related to the assessment of arousal in community settings.. In the third presentation, Timothy R. Vollmer will provide an overview of the general model of assessment that we have developed for working with this population as well as some implications of this model. The discussant is Carrie S. W. Borrero who has published extensively in the areas of behavioral assessment and developmental disabilities. |
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| The Influence of Pre-Session Factors in the Assessment of Deviant Arousal. |
| JORGE RAFAEL REYES (University of Florida), Timothy R. Vollmer (University of Florida), Astrid Hall (Seguin Unit) |
| Abstract: Previous research has shown that arousal assessments utilizing the penile plethysmograph can identify differential patterns of arousal for sex offenders with developmental disabilities (e.g., Reyes et al., 2006). In this study, we used arousal assessments to evaluate the influence of pre-session factors. The pre-session factors included masturbation and suppression instructions. Masturbation and instructions were selected because clinicians have suggested that they may influence assessment outcomes. To date, there is no empirical evidence for this assertion. Four male sex offenders with developmental disabilities volunteered to participate as part of their ongoing clinical assessment and treatment. Conditions were conducted in which the pre-session factor was either in effect or not in effect. Results showed that both masturbation and suppression instructions reduced arousal levels during assessments. |
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| Evaluation of a Portable Plethysmograph Device in the Assessment of Sex Offenders with Developmental Disabilities. |
| ASTRID HALL (Seguin Unit), Jorge Rafael Reyes (University of Florida), Timothy R. Vollmer (University of Florida) |
| Abstract: Plethysmograph assessment of sexual arousal for sex offenders with developmental disabilities have questionable external validity because it is not known whether the arousal obtained in clinic assessments is representative of arousal obtained outside of the clinic setting. Therefore, the purpose of the current clinical evaluation was to evaluate the use of a portable plethysmograph. This device consists of a penile strain gauge connected to a portable computer which is unobtrusive and capable of being discretely worn in the community. Two male sex offenders with developmental disabilities participated as part of their ongoing clinical assessment and treatment. First, clinic-based plethysmograph assessments were conducted. Second, the portable plethysmograph was tested in the clinic. Results showed similar patterns of arousal using both the non-portable and the portable plethysmograph. Third, the portable plethysmograph was tested away from the clinic using target videos and photos. Fourth, the portable plethysmograph was tested in the community during normally occurring community activities. Results showed that the device was capable of capturing periods of arousal and non-arousal for both participants. Potential treatment implications for the use of the portable plethysmograph will be discussed. |
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| A Behavioral Model for the Assessment of Sex Offenders with Developmental Disabilities. |
| TIMOTHY R. VOLLMER (University of Florida), Jorge Rafael Reyes (University of Florida), Kimberly Sloman (University of Florida), Astrid Hall (Seguin Unit) |
| Abstract: The assessment of sex offenders has been a widely investigated area. Numerous assessment methods have been utilized in attempting to gauge an individual's sexual preferences and their risk for re-offense. The purpose of the presentation will be to describe the assessment components for a behavioral model. The model is intended to assess components of sexual offending that may be both respondent and operant in nature. For example, assessing an individual's arousal to appropriate and inappropriate stimuli, as well as the conditions under which an offense may be committed. The various components of the model include reviewing any information related to the offense (i.e., police records), arousal assessments involving the penile plethysmograph, preference assessments for victim characteristics, and covert observations in high-risk situations (i.g., children present) and in the presence of high-risk materials (e.g., magazines with pictures of children). All of this information would be combined to produce a profile of an individual to potentially provide information and as a means of goal setting and establishing individualized interventions. |
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