Changes in personality and behavior are often the most tragic and limiting consequences of brain injury.
Although some issues, such as severe physical and verbal aggression, are quite obvious, others including reduced inhibition, judgment, and initiation can
be much less so. Behavioral expression of these difficulties can range from subtle, off-color comments to frankly disinhibited and extreme sexual responding. Unfortunately, behavior patterns of this type
often set up a " revolving door " pattern that starts with
inappropriate behavior, legal attention, psychiatric placement, and rapid discharge to begin the pattern again.Our
staff secured Neurobehavioral Program was established with the specific purpose of providing effective treatment
that would stop this "revolving door" cycle, and for those individuals with Neurologic impairment whose behavior has made them ineligible for other treatment programs. |
Neurobehavioral Problems Include Physical Aggression
Verbal Aggression
Self-injurious Behavior
Poor Judgment and Safety Awareness
Substance Abuse
Medication Compliance
Inappropriate Social Behavior
Noncompliance
Egocentricity
Depression
Sexual Disinhibition
Property Destruction
Reduced
Ability to Initiate
Purposeful Behavior |
The Neurobehavioral Program is based on the idea that positive teaching is a more effective way to change behavior
than punishment and restriction. Initially, individuals are provided with the level of staff support and supervision required to minimize the factors in the environment that prompt loss of control. Simultaneously,
teaching in the areas of self management and self control strategies occurs at the level permitted by current cognitive functioning. Strategies range from the fairly simple and concrete to the sophisticated and
abstract, with an emphasis on learning positive control. Frequent and intensive rehearsal and practice of simple coping skills occurs with ample opportunities for practice of newly acquired skills. Structure and
safety are maintained through staff supervision rather than locked units, chemical restraint, or mechanical restraint. Achieving increased self monitoring and self control is stressed, praised, and reinforced rather
than simply encouraging individuals to comply so as to avoid negative and arbitrary consequences. As progress with regard to behavior, internal control, and motivation occurs, external prompts, aids, and supports are
reduced to the point where available support matches the needs of the individual. |
