This is an intermediate continuing education course for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) looking to expand their clinical knowledge to include dementia care. Nearly every person diagnosed will exhibit at least one Behavior or Psychological Symptom of Dementia (BPSD). Disruptive behaviors are a leading reason for referral into ABA services. Before we implement an intervention, however, it is essential that we conduct a functional behavior assessment. In this course, we discuss the many facets of a behavior assessment. We start with a discussion on operational definitions and measurement procedures. Then we review the main three types of behavior assessments (informal, descriptive, and experimental), followed by a discussion on preference assessments in dementia care. We touch on what practices BCBAs may do differently when conducting these assessments and which procedures are the same. We end with a review on other assessments the BCBA may encounter when jumping into dementia care. BCBAs have a unique skill set to not only decrease challenging behaviors (e.g., BPSD) but also to maintain independent life skills (e.g., dressing, eating, engaging in leisure skills) and increase caregiver behavior management skills. Speakers use videos, Power-Point presentations, and completing quizzes to review various aspects of dementia care where BCBA can make a difference. 

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Each student has 30 days to complete the continuing education course. After 30 days, students will lose access to this course.