Assessment of Adult Core Competencies 

Original Air Date: December 1, 2021

CEU offered: 1.5 Learning CEU

Webinar Duration: 90 minutes

CE Instructors:

  • John M. Guercio, Ph.D., BCBA-D, CBIST, LBA 


Abstract:

This training will cover comprehensive assessment protocols as they apply to serving adults and adolescents with autism and other intellectual disabilities (ID). The information will go beyond basic functional assessment tools and methodology to cover environmental assessment measures as well as the ability of the person with ID to fully pursue the values and goals that they have set for themselves. This training will also cover the vast influence that a capable staff can have in the successful management of aggressive responding in residential settings. The module will present the nationwide issues of turnover and burnout that are experienced by direct support professionals (DSPs). The national staff crisis will also be presented and the barriers that our current reimbursement structure places on the DSP profession. This context will then be utilized to outline key areas in which DSP staff can be trained to provide the safety and security that are required in residential settings. Crucial skill sets such as a characteristically positive interaction style and successful data collection skill sets will also be covered.

Learning Objectives

  1. Participants will identify the design of environmental assessments in residential settings where clients display severe depression.
  2. Participants will select how to better quantify aggressive behavior in terms of its impact on the environment and those that serve them.
  3. Participants will be trained on specific aspects of operationally defined self-esteem behaviors and will select the best options for those that they serve.
  4. Participants will identify the nature of and the need for more in-depth functional assessment as it relates to severe aggressive behavior.

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Instructor(s)

John Guercio, Ph.D., BCBA-D, CBIST, LBA

In his current role at Benchmark Human Services, Dr. Guercio serves as the Clinical Director. He develops and delivers behavioral services for clients with significant aggression and high-risk behavioral needs, many of whom have been institutionalized for more than 15 years, often under restraints and heavy medication. Through Dr. Guercio’s leadership, many clients’ medication dosages have decreased and, they have developed positive compensatory behaviors and are being integrated into the community. Dr. Guercio currently serves on the ABAI Licensing Committee and is a board member of the Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis.