Procedures for Behavior Problems

Abstract

Behavior problems associated with head injury are well documented. Authors often cite the following as common behavioral sequelae of head injury: irritability, impulsivity, egocentricity, impaired judgment, noncompliance, dependency, apathy, tension, sexual disinhibition, and verbal and physical aggression (Fisher, 1985; Wood, 1988; Zahara & Cuvo, 1984). Many professionals regard these behaviors as the most difficult barriers to understanding and treating brain-injured individuals (Lewis, Burke, & Carrillo, 1987). Zahara and Cuvo (1984) point out that even though many behavior problems exist prior to injury or are the direct result of injury, many problem behaviors demonstrated by persons with brain injury are shaped and positively reinforced by staff and family members. Behavior problems in brain-injured persons have been treated effectively with applied behavior analysis (Burke & Wesolowski, 1988; Wesolowski & Burke, 1988; Zahara & Cuvo, 1984). In this chapter, several common behavior problems shown by brain-injured survivors will be discussed, and approaches that have been effective with these behaviors will be presented.