Association for Behavior Analysis International

As neurodiverse children age, they are at risk for a number of diseases. Dementia is reported as the most feared disease by individuals over 65, according to the National Institute of Health. For younger individuals it is the second most feared condition after cancer. This fear is not unfounded since individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at risk for Major Neurocognitive Disorder, commonly called dementia. Adults with Down syndrome, a subset of IDD, are even more at risk (Bram et al., 2019). This is especially the case for early onset Alzheimer’s disease (Janicki & Dalton, 2000). This paper presentation will discuss how we as behavior analysts can adapt our approaches to best work with individuals who have, or are at risk for, this dual diagnosis. Information on how to adapt behavior support plans, communicate with caregivers, and work with staff across disciplines will all be addressed. Previous client cases will also be discussed to demonstrate how strategies can be applied. Behavior analysts should leave this presentation with a tool kit of behavior analytic strategies that can be used to meet the behavioral needs of clients who have, or are at risk of receiving, a dementia diagnosis.

There continues to be a paucity of research in our field on the accessibility and quality of services for the growing population of adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities such as autism and intellectual disabilities. This population receives many of their services through community-based agencies, group homes, or day-service support programs. However, the need for these services continues to outgrow the number of agencies and staff available which often leads to high stress environments in established agencies. Client-staff ratios, high turnover staff rates, and lack of training may affect the quality of services. Thus, an assessment of client and caregiver satisfaction as well as an assessment of their needs is warranted. This paper will include information regarding the development and distribution of a survey for adult clients and their caregivers to gain important information regarding their satisfaction of the services available to them as well as provide an assessment of their service wants and needs. Potential solutions for increasing access to services, improving service quality, and improving client and caregiver satisfaction will be discussed.