Should Non-Supportive Interventions Be Applied.

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Michael is a BCBA that has worked with a family for over (5) years. Recently, his learner has entered adolescence and he has started to exhibit behaviors best categorized as “hyperactivity”. The family read about Omega-3 supplements and started an aggressive, but medically safe dosage schedule. This regimen requires the vitamin be given after school at the clinic. The clinic currently has a medication administration protocol, but Michael is concerned with the BACB code and non-supported interventions. Should Michael provide the supplement?

 

 

Sample Solution

According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), BCBAs “should not provide medical treatment, diagnosis, or advice.” This includes administering medication or supplements.

However, the BACB also states that BCBAs “may provide interventions that are supportive of or ancillary to medical treatment, provided that the BCBA has the appropriate training and experience.”

In Michael’s case, there is some evidence to suggest that Omega-3 supplements may be helpful for children and adolescents with ADHD. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Additionally, Michael does not have any formal training or experience in administering medication or supplements.

Therefore, it is recommended that Michael does not provide the Omega-3 supplements to his learner. Instead, he should work with the family to develop a behavior plan that addresses the hyperactivity symptoms. The behavior plan could include strategies such as:

  • Providing the learner with opportunities for physical activity
  • Breaking down tasks into smaller steps
  • Using positive reinforcement
  • Implementing a consistent schedule

Michael could also work with the family to identify and address any underlying factors that may be contributing to the hyperactivity, such as stress or anxiety.

Non-supported interventions

A non-supported intervention is an intervention that is not supported by scientific evidence. There is some evidence to suggest that Omega-3 supplements may be helpful for children and adolescents with ADHD. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Therefore, Omega-3 supplements could be considered a non-supported intervention for hyperactivity.

What Michael can do

Michael can still play a valuable role in supporting the family and their learner. He can:

  • Work with the family to develop a behavior plan that addresses the hyperactivity symptoms.
  • Provide the family with information about evidence-based interventions for ADHD.
  • Help the family to identify and address any underlying factors that may be contributing to the hyperactivity.
  • Collaborate with the learner’s other healthcare providers, such as their pediatrician or psychiatrist.

Michael should also document his concerns about the Omega-3 supplements in the learner’s record. This will help to protect Michael and the family in the event of any problems.

Conclusion

It is recommended that Michael does not provide the Omega-3 supplements to his learner. Instead, he should work with the family to develop a behavior plan that addresses the hyperactivity symptoms. Michael can also play a valuable role in supporting the family and their learner in other ways.

 

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