SAABA Guest Speaker Event: Adapting the Science of Behavior to Older Adults and Individuals with Brain Injury and Dementia

The application of behavior analysis to older adults, individuals with brain injury, and people with dementia (behavioral gerontology) is well established but remains relatively small compared to other areas of practice. In contrast to topography-focused approaches in broader psychology and psychiatry, a behavior-analytic conceptualisation grounded in stimulus control and verbal behavior can support more effective and socially valid interventions. Using confabulation as an example, this talk demonstrates how behavior analysis reframes behaviours often labelled as 'manipulative' or 'delusional', enabling functional understanding and intervention development. Preliminary evidence highlighting the need to adapt behavioral tactics for older populations will also be presented.