Abstract: For years acute and post acute brain injury rehabilitation teams have worked to integrate programming efforts across disciplines, overcome issues associated with problem behaviors and demonstrate the efficacy of programming efforts. However, until recently integration of behavior analytic concepts and principles uniquely suited towards these same goals has been misunderstood, underutilized or simply excluded. This presentation will review the current practices in the field of brain injury rehabilitation, propose how behavior analysts can play an integral role and provide tips for how to avoid the pitfalls of working in a field ripe with mentalistic views and meditational theories. |
Abstract: In ABI rehabilitation settings, behavior analysts often work as collaborative members of multidisciplinary teams with medical staff, counselors, and physical, occupational, and speech therapy professionals who may lack necessary skills related to integration of ABA principles and ability to implement behavior programs effectively. For successful behavior program implementation as part of the rehabilitation process, behavior analysts must ensure adequate training in the principles of ABA for all team members. Are colleges, universities, internship programs and facility training programs providing the knowledge necessary to develop staff with effective behavior intervention skills? Are the appropriate behavior intervention skills considered core competencies for therapeutic staff facing the behavior challenges in brain injury rehabilitation? This presentation will explore the course criteria required for obtaining degrees in allied health professions that commonly treat the brain-injured population and will examine to what extent ABA coursework is integrated into core competencies. Elective training options will be outlined that may prove valuable in developing staff skills in behavior analysis. The more comfortable, skilled and effective staff are at implementing behavior programs, the more efficient and successful team treatment programs will be. The potential impact on lives of more 1.5 million people in the U.S. that suffer a traumatic brain injury each year is discussed. |