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| ABA interventions for persons with Acquired Brain Injuries. |
| Saturday, May 23, 2009 |
| 1:00 PM–2:20 PM |
| North 222 C |
| Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis |
| Chair: Michael P Mozzoni (Learning Services NeuroBehavioral Institute of Colorado) |
| Discussant: Michael P Mozzoni (Learning Services of Northern California) |
| CE Instructor: John V Stokes, M.S.Ed |
| Abstract: Persons with Acquired Brain Injures (ABI) present with a variety of deficits and skills which makes each client unique. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is suited to this challenge though its methodological use of the single subject design. These papers exhibit the robust application of ABA in a post acute clinical setting.
The purpose of the first study was to determine if a behavioral approach to relaxation training (BRT) could benefit individuals who display significant agitation following a traumatic brain injury. The second study was concerned with SAFMEDS and reteaching a person correct tacting following ABI. The procedure was tailored by gradually increasing the number of stimulus cards in each deck and merging decks. The purpose was to see if it would result in faster acquisition of desired information (tacting). The purpose of the third study was to determine if a token system could be useful in decreasing clients over-selectivity of staff. |
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| Efficacy of Behavioral Relaxation Training for Individuals with Traumatic Brain |
| DIXIE EASTRIDGE (Learning Services NeuroBehavioral Institute of Colorado) |
| Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if a behavioral approach for relaxation training benefits individuals who display significant agitation following a traumatic brain injury. The study was based on the basic premise that "a relaxed person engages in overt motoric behavior that is characteristic of relaxation" and by practicing these overt skills they actually become relaxed.Results indicated that participants of this study who experienced disability following traumatic brain injury were able to learn relaxation using Poppen's Behavior Relaxation techniques. The first participant was able to achieve eight of ten postures rapidly. However, the rate the participant was able to learn and engage in relaxed postures in the training phase was significantly affected by medication changes. After the initial relaxation session, medication changes began that had a significant impact on the ability of the participant to remain in the relaxed positions. Following feedback in the first session, the participant was able to average 6.8 of the ten relaxed positions in a five minute session; medication changes began three days later that resulted in the individual being unable to remain in a five minute session in a relaxed position and the session ended after one minute |
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| Precision Teaching and Traumatic Brain Injury |
| TAMRY L JUNTUNEN (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) |
| Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of SAFMEDS training on tacting in a 57-year-old Caucasian male with an acquired brain injury resulting from cardiac arrest secondary to electrocution who was 35 years post injury Two primary SAFMEDS decks were used, each containing thirty-five cards. All cards displayed color pictures of items relating to activities of daily living. Correct responses were counted as any vocal response that would lead to acquisition of the desired item in a natural environment. The decks of cards were split into several decks Varying amount of cards and time limits were used to evaluate which procedure works best in the TBI population. Reslts indicate that tailoring the exposure to each stimulus may result in faster acquisition of desired information. Smaller decks or increased exposure to stimuli was the best procedure for this individual. Results suggest that individuals with TBI may benefit from Precision Teaching methodology, specifically when the procedures are adapted to the individual client. |
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| Use of a Token Economy to Increase Staff Acceptance in a Person with an Acquired Brain Injury |
| ABRAHAM SAENZ (Learning Services of Northern California) |
| Abstract: Persons with Acquired Brian Injuries (ABI) present with a variety of challenging behaviors. Frequently these challenging behaviors interfere with therapy, social relationships and community independence. Awareness deficits often result in poor cooperation and active resistance to rehabilitation interventions. When internal motivators cannot be accessed, external motivators may be used to increase cooperation. Cooperation with therapeutic instructions and safety precautions can make the difference between eventual independence and supervised living. In this study a token economy was used in a multiple baseline to decrease physical and verbal aggression and increase cooperation across 2 participants in a residential post acute treatment program. Frequent “cash in” opportunities and meaningful reinforcing activities arising from reinforcer assessments were critical to getting the clients to buy into the token system. Results indicate that staff training and consistent checks of therapeutic integrity are essential to program and client success. |
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