Kasey Bedard, Ph.D., a graduate of The Chicago School’s Applied Behavior Analysis online doctorate program, is poised to make a difference in the lives of children and adults in the grips of a rare but devastating condition. Currently a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Bedard is pursuing research in the application of behavior analytic principles and interventions to support children and adults with a condition called Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). In support of her work, she has received grants from several sources, including the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (PWSA | USA) and The Chicago School’s Office of Sponsored Programs. This funding will also provide part-time positions for 15 graduate students over the course of 18 months, in keeping with The Chicago School’s mission of preparing students for their career through clinical and research experience in the field.
Though not widely known, PWS is a complex neurodevelopmental syndrome that is often characterized by hyperphagia (uncontrollable sense of starvation) and other high-magnitude behavioral challenges such as tantrums, food stealing, self-injury, and developmental delays. Currently, no medications have been identified that offer comprehensive relief of these symptoms, which means that children with PWS and their families must cope with dangerous and disruptive behavior that not only affects the health and well-being of the families but can also prevent children from succeeding in school, attending community outings or family events, or learning the skills necessary to grow up to be successful, productive adults.
Given these challenges, Dr. Bedard hopes to provide behavioral support to families that works in conjunction with medical management protocols. Thus far, her research has demonstrated that caregiver-implemented behavior analytic intervention can be effective in reducing behavioral challenges and teaching adaptive skills. Her goal is to validate this caregiver training model while expanding her research to evaluate behavior-analytic interventions to support adults with PWS as well.
Thanks to telehealth technology, Dr. Bedard, in conjunction with her faculty mentor, Annette Griffith, Ph.D., has been able to include a team of consultants from across the U.S. and internationally. The success of their work aligns with The Chicago School’s broader mission of integrating theory, professional practice, and innovation.
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