SOMB Addressing Executive Function Deficits in Working with Offenders with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

ADDRESSING EXECUTIVE FUNCTION DEFICITS IN OFFENSE-SPECIFIC TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS (ID, ASD AND ADHD)

This workshop is designed for treatment providers working with offenders evidencing executive function deficits associated with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. Executive functions are brain processes responsible for attention, organizing and processing information; consequential thinking, decision-making, planning, impulse control, cognitive flexibility, self-management and emotion regulation, among others. Deficits in these functions not only contribute to risk of offending behavior, but also present challenges in the acquisition of appropriate competing behaviors and treatment compliance. For example, these cognitive deficits may preclude ability to adhere to a non-modified/adapted group curriculum, while at the same time their social-emotional development needs may not be met in treatment focused on offenders with more severe social skills deficits. The pathogenesis of offending behavior may not always be apparent, or may be a manifestation of a core symptom of a disability as opposed to sexual deviancy. Consequently, the offender may not be well-suited for conventional adaptations of sexual assault/relapse prevention models. The workshop will review the impact of executive function deficits on offending behavior; differentiate developmental from characterological issues; treatment planning, including appropriate accommodations and environmental supports; modified CBT strategies to attain key offense-specific treatment concepts; adaptive skills development, and risk management.