Dr. Lauren Moskowitz, of St John’s University, is known for her work with self injurious behavior. In this episode, she helps us understand why SIB is happening and discusses ABA as a method of treatment, including finding reinforcers that work.

Mentioned in This Episode

(click to be directed to the web page)

Dr. Moskowitz sees three common causes on self injurious behavior. She tells us what those causes are.
Most self injurious behavior is long standing and does not go away easily.
Contributors often are sensory or environmental or can become a mix of both.
Figuring out the "why" of an SIB is the hardest part. We discuss clinical and practical ways to get at the "why".
Teaching avenues of communication are often the most effective in treating SIB and sensory reasons are the most challenging to treat.
Even if the "why" of an SIB is unknown, there are still behavioral interventions that can be used.
Often the best reinforcers are random and even weird. We discuss how to uncover new reinforcement ideas to use in behavioral techniques.
Dr Moskowitz gives her input on pharmaceuticals.
Links to Suggested Resources:

Association for Positive Behavior Support

Florida Positive Behavior & Intervention Support Project

Kansas Positive Support

Positive Behavior Support by Meme Hieneman & Mark Durand

Optimistic Parenting by Mark Durand

Helping Parents with Challenging Children by Meme Heineman & Mark Durand

Webinar by our guest, Dr. Moskowitz