Association for Behavior Analysis International

The Association for Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI) is a nonprofit membership organization with the mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice.

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49th Annual Convention; Denver, CO; 2023

Event Details


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Symposium #336
CE Offered: BACB
Research-Based Behavior Analytic Interventions for Sexual Behaviors: A Review of the Research and Implementation Procedures
Monday, May 29, 2023
10:00 AM–10:50 AM
Convention Center 403/404
Area: EDC/DDA; Domain: Theory
Chair: Jennifer Pollard (University of Louisville)
CE Instructor: Jennifer Pollard, Ph.D.
Abstract:

There is a long history of individuals with extensive support needs (ESN) being sterilized without their knowledge and consent. Additionally, inappropriate sexualized behavior (ISB) is fairly prevalent among individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD); estimates suggest that 18% to 28% of individuals diagnosed with IDD engage in these behaviors. Part of the reason this occurs is a lack of education about sexual development and a lack of interventions to address sexual behaviors and build skills related to self-determination or informed decision-making. This symposium will discuss multiple aspects of addressing and supporting the sexuality of individuals with ESN, including a discussion of a study aimed to increase these skills related to speaking to a doctor about menstrual management, a review of research conducted related to antecedent sex education/interventions and self-determination skills for individuals with ESN, and a review the body of research examining the effects of interventions on ISB before outlining implementation of function-based interventions for educators and practitioners working with students with disabilities who engage in ISB.

Instruction Level: Basic
Keyword(s): education, functional interventions, self-determination, sexual behaviors
Target Audience:

Behavior analysts, educators, and other practitioners working directly with individuals with developmental disabilities

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: (1) Describe the current state of research examining sexual behaviors of individuals with developmental disabilities; (2) Discuss the implementation of function-based interventions to address inappropriate sexual behaviors; (3) Describe ways to include clients and students in decisions related to their sexual development.
 
Behavior Analytic Interventions for Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors: State of the Research and Implications for Practice
ERICA B MCCLURE (Purdue University)
Abstract: Inappropriate sexualized behavior (ISB), defined as sexual behavior that is developmentally and socially inappropriate or potentially harmful to others, is fairly prevalent among individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD); estimates suggest that 18% to 28% of individuals diagnosed with IDD engage in these behaviors. Consequences for engaging in inappropriate sexualized behaviors are at times severe and negative, ranging from social isolation to incarceration; sex offenses have historically accounted for 12-46% of all convictions of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Given the severity of potential outcomes, the need for effective, evidence-based treatments for individuals engaging in these behaviors is high. This session will review the body of research examining the effects of interventions on ISB before outlining implementation of function-based interventions for educators and practitioners working with students with disabilities who engage in ISB.
 

Increasing Self-Determination Skills Through Behavioral Skills Training for Individuals With Extensive Support Needs to Examine Reversible Contraceptive Choices

JENNIFER POLLARD (University of Louisville)
Abstract:

There is a long history of individuals with extensive support needs (ESN) being sterilized without their knowledge and consent. Part of the reason this occurs is due to a lack of education about sexual development and a lack of interventions to build skills related to self-determination or informed decision-making. This study aimed to increase these skills related to speaking to a doctor about menstrual management. Three participants were first taught about their menstrual cycles and given preference assessments about reversible birth control options. Participants then created individualized graphic organizers to help guide them through the process of asking about choices and recording the information given from doctors. A single-case multiple probe design was used to examine the effectiveness of using behavioral skills training to increase the skills of asking a doctor about choices and recording the information. All three participants reached mastery level within three to four probes. Two participants stayed at mastery level for their generalization and maintenance probes. One participant did not stay at mastery level for their generalization and maintenance probe but was only 3 points away from mastery level, and 29 points above their baseline level. Suggestions for future research, application, and policy change discussed.

 

Antecedent Sexual Education and Interventions: Review of Literature and Implications for Future Researchers

JENNIFER POLLARD (University of Louisville)
Abstract:

There were five systematic literature reviews conducted related to antecedent sex education/interventions and self-determination skills for individuals with extensive support needs (ESN): (1) comprehensive sex education (CSE), (2) status of use and knowledge of contraceptives, (3) contraceptive interventions and education, (4) self-determination (SD), and (5) SD and contraceptive use. Overall, 4,356 abstracts were reviewed and 94 articles met inclusion criteria. The literature related to contraceptive use and education shows that women with ESN do use contraceptives yet there is inconsistency in their understanding of the contraceptives and most are unaware of other choices. Choices were made by caregivers and physicians without appropriately educating the patients. While there are interventions related to CSE, almost all were not found appropriate to students with ESN and need more modifications and accommodations to truly teach students with ESN. There is not any current literature related specifically to contraceptive use and increasing this knowledge and decision-making. There is promising research for teaching SA/SD skills yet not related to CSE or related issues. There is a clear deficit in research to support individuals with ESN to understand their natural development, how to create and maintain safe relationships, and/or make informed decisions about their bodies.

 

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