Introduction to physiological influences
Most common functions of problem behavior
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Obtain attention
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Escape/avoid
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Obtain items or activities
Many problem behaviors are not socially maintained
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Physiological factors can influence problem behavior
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Medical and behavioral collaboration is important
Types of physiological factors influencing problem behavior
Theories
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Setting events
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Respondent learning and arousal
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Sensory
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Homeostatic
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Organic
Examples
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Illness
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Painful experiences
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Sleep disturbance
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Medication side effects
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Medication interactions
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Nutrition and hunger
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Addiction and drugs
Identifying physiological influences from functional assessment data
Identify the last time a routine medical exam occurred
Behavior that occurs in absence of social interaction
Behavior that continues for long periods
Student learns that behavior affects environment
Behavior maintained by multiple functions
Collecting data to confirm setting events
Intervention strategies
Two types of intervention approaches
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Medical
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Behavioral
Psychotropic medication
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Produces changes in emotions and behavior
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Acts on neurotransmitters
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Concerns of overuse exist
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Show mixed results in research studies
Interventions related to medication
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Reschedule medication times
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Change dosage levels
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Alter food intake or nutrition
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Create a medical notebook to enhance communication
Examples of setting event strategies
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Change school schedule
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Temporarily decrease amount of work expected
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Make changes in the environment
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Initiate relaxation routine
Addressing behavior associated with sensory stimulation
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Create an enriched environment
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Provide opportunities to escape over stimulation
Examples of environmental strategies
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Remove nonedible items
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Reduce tempting situations involving food
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Schedule a snack at key time periods
Additional interventions
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Communication training
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Social skills
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Relaxation
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Exercise
Interventions across home and school
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Strategies to encourage sleep through the night
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Communication log
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Letting student sleep at school
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Keeping the student awake at school
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Decrease the presentation of antecedents
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Starting instruction with preferred activities
Summary
Closer communication between medical and educational professionals is needed
Attention to student's health can avoid problem behavior
Environmental interventions are just as important as medical
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