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| Introduction to Behavior Analysis and Dementia |
| Friday, May 23, 2014 |
| 8:00 AM–3:00 PM |
| W181b (McCormick Place Convention Center) |
| Area: DEV/PRA; Domain: Applied Research |
| CE Instructor: Maranda Trahan, Ph.D. |
| MARANDA TRAHAN (Trahan Behavioral Services), CLAUDIA DROSSEL (University of Michigan), JONATHAN C. BAKER (Southern Illinois University) |
| Description: Behavioral gerontology is the study of how environmental events (antecedents, consequences) interact with the aging organism to produce behavior, and spans basic, clinical, and organizational behavioral research. Older adults account for 12% of the population today, but will make up 20% in 20–40 years. Currently, very few behavior analytic programs offer courses in behavioral gerontology, and thus few behavioral practitioners have knowledge or understanding of the health care issues related to older adults. As behavior analysts begin to extend their services to aging adult populations, knowledge of health care issues and how such issues can impact behavior programming is essential. The purpose of this workshop is to provide an introduction in behavioral gerontology to behavior analytic practitioners. In this workshop we will cover general information on older adults, describe neurodegenerative changes in function, and explain the role of ABA in dementia care. We will review common behavior changes (both excesses and deficits) exhibited by this population and discuss the behavioral assessments and treatments commonly used. In addition, we will briefly discuss the issues for working with older adults with intellectual disabilities. Instructors will provide case examples and arrange lectures, discussions, and small group breakout sessions. |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this workshop, the participant will be able to (1) describe the general characteristics of our older adult population, as well as the features of neurodegenerative changes of those with and without intellectual disabilities, (2)identify common behavioral assessments and interventions that can be used with older adults with dementia, and (3) describe how to navigate health care systems in order to coordinate care and find reimbursement opportunities. |
| Activities: Instructional strategies lecture, discussion, small group breakout, case scenarios, and case presentations. |
| Audience: BACB certificants and licensed psychologists, including practitioners or caregivers who work with older adults with developmental disabilities or older adults with dementia. Students and scientists who are interested in breaking into this new field are also welcome. |
| Content Area: Practice |
| Instruction Level: Basic |