Assigned Host:

ATCBS.org and Community Access Services

Presenters:

Kelley Gordham

Description:

Tremendous responsibilities are placed on our caregivers every day. Loss of self-regulation (formerly “self-control”) is a serious issue for those of us who encounter challenges supporting individuals with IDD. Interviews with providers as well as Protector Services investigators indicates that loss of control is a major factor in failures in providing care. New research, including the use of brain imaging technology, has redefined the idea of self-control. This presentation will cover the latest research into “depletion” of self-control, the connection between self-control and weakened skills, and suggest several ideas to improve our performance as caregivers (as well as those individuals we support). Several independent research projects (including neuroscience, behavioral psychology and positive behavior support) have been studied in conjunction with work by several of the APBS networks to give us a better understanding of how self-regulation depletes over time. We will also discuss the brain’s tendency to conserve energy and how that affects numerous behaviors.

Directions:

From Portland, take Highway 26 west. Take the Cornell exit and turn left onto Cornell rd. Twin Oaks Plaza will be on your left off of Cornell (169th Place). Turn right into the parking lot.