Abuse and Neglect for RBT's

Question 1

Who has an increased risk for abuse and neglect?

Answer 1

Children with autism and intellectual disabilities are 2-3x more likely to experience maltreatment, while adults face a higher risk of sexual abuse

Question 2

Name the different types of maltreatment

Answer 2

1. Sexual abuse
2. Physical abuse
3. Emotional abuse
4. Physical neglect

Question 3

Who are the common perpetrators?

Answer 3

1. Parents & caregivers
2. Extended family
3. extrafamilial individuals (sitters, public employees, etc.)
4. Siblings
5. Other children

Question 4

what type of maltreatment is most common across disability groups?

Answer 4

Physical neglect

Question 5

what may abuse lead to in children with autism?

Answer 5

aggression, hyperactivity, and self-injurious behavior

Question 6

what are the risk factors for familial abuse?

Answer 6

1. family history of abuse
2. substance abuse
3. poverty or unemployment
4. food insecurity
5. single-parent households
6. domestic violence

Question 7

what are the types of school abuse?

Answer 7

1. Physical violence
2. Seclusion and restraint
3. Bullying (by peers & adults)
4. Being left in unsafe conditions

Question 8

What are the causes of school abuse?

Answer 8

1. Lack of staff training
2. Targeted by peers and staff
3. Mismanagement of student needs

Question 9

what are the disability specific stressors?

Answer 9

1. High medical/education costs
2. Lack of respite care
3. Overwhelming caregiver demands

Question 10

What are the residential setting factors?

Answer 10

1. Group homes
2. Psychiatric facilities
3. Intermediate care settings

Question 11

what are the disability related reporting challenges?

Answer 11

1. Limited communication skills
2. Lack of understanding of abuse
3. Reports may be dismissed or ignored

Question 12

What are the disability related behavioral risks?

Answer 12

1. Aggression/self-injurious behaviors may lead to intrusive interventions (seclusion/restraint)
2. Misuse of restraint is considered abuse unless part of a treatment plan for emergencies

Question 13

What are the common physical signs of abuse?

Answer 13

1. Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or weight loss
2. Bruises, burns, fractures
3. Injuries (rope burns, trauma to head/teeth, etc.)
4. Unexplained pain (trouble walking/sitting, etc.)
5. STDs or pregnancy

Question 14

What are behavior signs of abuse & neglect?

Answer 14

1. Fearfulness, excessive crying, clinginess
2. Regression in skills (communication/Cognition)
3. Increased aggression/self-injury
4. Sudden overeating or refusal to eat
5. Unusual sexual knowledge or interest

Question 15

What are the ethical and legal responsibilities of an RBT?

Answer 15

1. Do not harm: ensure client safety and well-being
2. Act in the client’s best interest: Intervene if they are in immediate danger
3. Mandated reporting: RBTs must report suspected abuse/neglect

Question 16

who must report abuse & neglect?

Answer 16

Anyone in human services, including RBTs

Question 17

what must be reported?

Answer 17

1. Child abuse
2. Elder abuse
3. Intimate partner violence
4. Abuse of adults with disabilities

Question 18

what are the key reporting laws?

Answer 18

1. CAPTA
   A. requires the state to establish reporting procedures
   B. Ensures children in legal proceedings have representation
2. State-specific laws
   A. Know your state’s reporting requirements
   B. Follow organizational policies on reporting abuse

Question 19

When must you intervene immediately and what steps do you take?

Answer 19

1. If a client is being physically harmed, left unsupervised, or placed in danger
2. Contact law enforcement first, then notify a supervisor
3. Document and follow investigation protocols

Question 20

what steps are taken if abuse is suspected?

Answer 20

1. Follow organizational procedures
2. Provide documentation (video, picture, emails)
3. Some states may require reporting to a state board before BACB

Question 21

what is the main ethical code on abuse/neglect?

Answer 21

failure to report is neglect

Question 22

what are examples of harm?

Answer 22

1. Abuse: physical harm, sexual abuse, verbal threats
2. Neglect: leaving a client unsupervised, failing to follow intervention plans

Question 23

what are the possible outcomes of reporting abuse?

Answer 23

1. No investigation: the case is dropped if no evidence is found
2. Investigation: may involve child services, law enforcement, ABA staff interviews, and medical exams
3. Confirmed cases: Protective measures and legal action may follow
4. Unconfirmed cases: records may be kept for future reference

Question 24

What is trauma?

Answer 24

results of abuse/neglect and impacts on behavior/emotions

Question 25

what are symptoms of trauma?

Answer 25

1. Anxiety, aggression, sleep disturbances 2. loss of learned skills

Question 26

what are the 4 R's of trauma informed care?

Answer 26

1. Realize: understands trauma's impact on behavior 2. Recognize: identify trauma-related symptoms 3. Respond: use trauma-informed strategies in interventions 4. Resist re-traumatization: avoid triggering past trauma

Question 27

How do you avoid re-traumatization?

Answer 27

1. Know triggers: sounds, smells, or situations that cause stress 2. Recognize anxiety symptoms: high anxiety can lead to aggression or self-injury

Question 28

what do you do if re-traumatization occurs?

Answer 28

contact supervisors immediately and remain calm to reduce client anxiety

Question 29

what are trauma informed intervention strategies?

Answer 29

1. Visual supports: schedules, icons to reduce anxiety 2. Social stories: help navigate social situations and emotions 3. Reinforcing presence: pair yourself with positive experience's to build trust