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STEP SIG Symposium 2 of 2: Clinical Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Behaviors |
Monday, May 27, 2013 |
10:30 AM–11:50 AM |
M101 B (Convention Center) |
Area: DEV/AUT; Domain: Service Delivery |
Chair: Fawna Stockwell (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) |
Discussant: Bobby Newman (Room to Grow) |
CE Instructor: Fawna Stockwell, Ph.D. |
Abstract: The science of behavior analysis has been applied to a myriad of human behaviors, including those of a sexual nature. The purpose of this presentation is to provide multiple examples of how sexual behavior issues can be assessed and treated using a behavior-analytic approach. This symposium underscores the need for behavior analysts to provide function-based, individualized, and least-restrictive interventions to influence the occurrence of sexual behaviors that are inappropriate in topography and/or occur in inappropriate environments. Case study data and their implications will be presented, as well as directions for future research and practice in this area. |
Keyword(s): autism, developmental disabilities, functional analysis, sexual behavior |
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Functional Analysis and Intervention of Sexualized Behavior in Young Children with Intellectual Disability |
HEATHER FRUGOLI (Augmentative Learning and Movement Center), Simon Dejardin (Institut Médico-Eucatif ECLAIR), Sorah Stein (Indiana University South Bend) |
Abstract: Often in our work as behavioral clinicians, especially when we work with teens and young adults, we encounter individuals who engage in sexual behavior. Sometimes, however, we are challenged with these behaviors occurring in younger children. This presentation will address sexual behavior as behavior that can be assessed via functional behavior assessment methods and that can be modified using the same functional replacement behavior strategies that are often implemented when addressing other challenging behaviors. The data presented were obtained during baseline and descriptive and functional analyses of inappropriate sexualized behavior of an 8-year-old male with an intellectual disability (vocalizations, gestures, and actions directed at staff and self) and a 9-year-old male with autism (masturbation). Data following function-based intervention was implemented following determination of hypothesis will be presented as well. Implications for functional analysis in future instances of inappropriate sexual behavior will be discussed. |
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The Analysis of Aberrant Sexual Behavior in Persons with Disabilities; Competing Reinforcement and Sexual Education |
JESSIE COOPERKLINE (Instructional ABA Consultants), Nicholas Schreiber (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) |
Abstract: The sexual behavior of persons with disabilities is an understudied area in Applied Behavior Analysis. When a person with a disability engages in sexual behavior it is often labeled as aberrant, and these individuals are then stigmatized, which can impact their quality of life. Limited research has been conducted on these aberrant sexual behaviors and related courses of treatment. Current literature supports competing reinforcement for behaviors maintained by an automatically produced consequence, though does not explicitly address sexual behavior. This presentation will include two case studies of individuals with cognitive disabilities and mental illness diagnoses who engage in inappropriate sexual behavior. The behaviors that individuals in this study engaged in included public masturbation and non-consensual sexual advances toward other individuals with disabilities. The agencys response to the inappropriate sexual behaviors before and after consultation with a BCBA will be discussed. Additionally, a brief review of literature on sexual education for persons with disabilities will be included. |
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Reducing Public Masturbation of a Teenage Girl with Autism Within a Residential Group Home |
ALBERT MALKIN (ErionakKids), Deanna Strazzella (Delisle Youth Services), Brigid McCormick (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) |
Abstract: The current case study aims to contribute to the literature of addressing sexual behaviors of persons with developmental disabilities. Public masturbation was chosen as target behaviour for reduction. This behaviour is an example of a sexual behaviour that is appropriate in private, but inappropriate or illegal in public situations. In addition, it may have the potential of placing individuals with disabilities at greater risk for abuse. The participant, a teenage girl diagnosed with autism, living in a residential group home setting, was taught to indicate that she is going to engage in masturbatory behaviours in her bedroom using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). The procedure, potential stimulus control components of the intervention, and limitations will be discussed. |
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