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Improving functional skills using behavioral procedures in a child with anoxic brain injury
B V Silver1, C Boake, D I Cavazos
1Department of Neuropsychology, Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, Houston, TX 77030.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|July 1, 1994
Summary
A behavioral treatment program, using a monetary reward system, improved daily living skills for a child with anoxic brain injury. This intervention significantly reduced the need for assistance and cueing, with lasting results.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Psychology
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
Background:
- Anoxic brain injury can lead to significant cognitive deficits, including amnesia and impaired daily living skills.
- A 12-year-old child with anoxic brain injury exhibited difficulties with self-care tasks, requiring substantial verbal cues and physical assistance.
Observation:
- A multiple baseline design was employed to assess the efficacy of a behavioral intervention.
- The intervention focused on improving functional abilities in toileting/undressing and dressing activities.
Findings:
- Introduction of a monetary reward system led to significant reductions in verbal cues and physical assistance needed for dressing (80% and 70% decrease) and toileting/undressing (92% and 75% decrease).
- Task completion time also decreased for both activity categories.
- Treatment gains were maintained at a 6-month follow-up.
Implications:
- Behavioral interventions, specifically reward systems, can be effective in improving functional independence in children with anoxic brain injury.
- These findings suggest potential for enhancing rehabilitation strategies for pediatric patients with cognitive impairments.
- The study highlights the importance of tailored behavioral approaches for addressing activities of daily living deficits post-brain injury.