Autism Spectrum Disorder, more commonly referred to as Autism, affects one out of 68 chil-dren and young adults (Autism Science Foundation, 2016). The spectrum ranges from mild to severe. While there are set characteristic traits to determine whether or not a person is autistic, these traits vary tremendously among different people; no two autistic children are alike. The traits these individuals possess and the actions caused by the characteristic, influence how other family members and caregivers respond to the autistic individual. This paper will examine case studies and articles that illustrate the effectiveness of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) in-tervention techniques for autistic individuals. Looking at ABA and the different tools and in-tervention methods that therapists have at their disposal, will demonstrate how early interven-tion and family education are the biggest keys to aiding an autistic client in adjusting to the world around them in a meaningful way. Two different case studies will be reviewed; one fo-cusing on how to identify and provide effective treatment plans based on a brief analysis, the other examines how involving the family can reduce the frequency of behavioral problems. Applied Behavioral Analysis: A Review of Applied Behavioral Analysis Interventions for
Autism
The purpose of this independent study is to review the methods of Applied Be-havioral Analysis as it pertains to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a
Many treatment approaches have developed different ways of dealing with the challenges of autism. First, there is the theory of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which consists of giving a child a specific task, which teaches skills from basic ones to more complex ones, such as social interaction. Children taking this approach, work 30-40 hours a week with a trained professional. (West 66) It may be emotionally difficult for the child, and his/her parents to dedicate so much time, yet it is worth it. However, it has been proven that ABA methods have shown consistent results in teaching new skills and behaviors to children with autism. (West 68)
Autism is a disease that is being diagnosed today more than ever before. In fact, as of 2014 the statistics for diagnosis of autism are one in sixty-eight children, with diagnosis being much more common in boys (Autism Speaks, 2016a). While there are many theories about what causes autism, there is currently not any proven predictor of what will cause this disease to develop (Landrigan, 2010). Since prevention is not possible at this time, it is extremely beneficial and important to research understanding and treatment of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are many avenues of treatment for ASD, but one method that has received significant attention is applied behavior analysis (ABA). The goal of this research article is to explore the definition of applied behavior analysis, its development over time, and its application to real life. Some questions that will be explored are when and where did ABA originate, how has it developed over time, and what researchers contributed new findings to this intervention. Additionally, the methods that have been developed over time to implement ABA will be discussed, specifically with their application to autism and individuals diagnosed with ASD. Finally, there will be a discussion of how skills that individuals with ASD gain from applied behavioral analysis can be applied to a classroom setting.
This paper focuses on applied behavior analysis (ABA). The concept of ABA in definition is the use of knowledge gained within science of behavior to improve behaviors that are socially crucial. The researchers of this paper focus not the importance of having parents use ABA training when working with their children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There has been a large amount of research done on ABA techniques and it is something that has been used in many different fields of practice. Areas such as social work, education, medicine, etc have benefited from the ABA approach. Now it is important to distinguish what the views of parents using ABA are.
The Applied Behavioral Analysis model, or (ABA) as it is commonly referred to, has been in practice for many years, touching the lives of many people of all ages, backgrounds, and degrees of the Autism spectrum. As with anything, there is a considerable amount of misinformation projecting a negative view of ABA. These views have questioned the protocol, application, and necessity of the ABA. The following is some information and facts to hopefully make clear what ABA not only does, but what it stands for as a therapy that will continue to help those in need.
In a wide-ranging study, Gresham, Beebe-Frankenberger & MacMillan (1999) reviewed and critiqued several of the most cited treatment programs for children with autism, including Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA). In essence, they concluded that there was no one flawlessly reliable treatment protocol for autism. However, they found that virtually all programs reviewed, showed some degree of developmental gain in each of its participants. Particularly when it came to measurable IQ gain. With direct reference to the Applied Behavioural Analysis approach, it would appear that there is not sufficient evidence to promote it as being a superior or universal treatment program for all children with
Autism is categorized by deficits in maintaining social relationships and difficulty communicating. The number of children being diagnosed with autism is steadily increasing. Therefore the need incorporate effective interventions that focus on the development of the individual child has become an imperative component for their success. The key for children with Autism to achieve academic and social success depends upon the collaborative effort that is shared among all parties involved: family, teachers, peers; mental health professionals and the community.
The team then creates measurable goals that address the triggering factors with the purpose of reducing maladaptive behavior, even if it’s complex, and promoting adaptive behavior. During therapy sessions, the therapist breaks objectives into small goals, offers positive support, includes prompts, and promotes practice. Families also receive training so they can use the same techniques at home. Over time, the therapist collects data, tweaks the goals and helps the child master each step and build on their achievements, a strategy that improves overall success. While there are varying applications of Applied Behavior Analysis, Invo Behavior and Therapy Services and Autism Home Support Services take a holistic approach in implementing the core methodologies of Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA therapy, to build on a child’s skills and further develop capabilities.
Mrs. Hilary Tunstall led an informative discussion about Autism and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). After graduating college, Mrs. Tunstall previous worked as a teacher’s assistant in self-contained classroom for children with autism. She then attended ECU and earned her MA/CAS in School Psychology, and she worked as a school psychologist for 5 years. About 2 years ago, Mrs. Tunstall joined Priorities ABA in eastern North Carolina. She obtained her Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) and is now a Behavioral Consultant. Mrs. Tunstall brings a unique perspective to the Priorities ABA; her school psychology background enables her to help parents understand IEPs and assist parents with the advocating for their child’s needs in the school.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction along with a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors. (Adak & Halder 2017) (Fletcher-Watson & McConachie 2017) Research has indicated that the earlier that the child receives a diagnoses and an early intervention plan the better their communication skills are leading into school age. (Beaudet 2012) Early intervention therapies target specific goals such as overall function, reducing particular behavioral difficulties, and facilitating communication for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (Fletcher-Watson & McConachie 2017) (Rose et al., 2016) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is currently most acknowledged form of early
The hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involve marked deficits in social interaction as well as engagement in repetitive behaviors and language difficulties (Leblanc, Richardson, & Warnie, 2005). Although autism can have a profound impact on the capabilities and functioning of the individual, emerging research indicates that applied behavioral analysis (ABA) can be an effective tool for addressing many of the deficits that children with ASD face (Boutot & Myles, 2016). In fact, emerging research indicates that when ABA is utilized for the treatment of young children with ASD many of the challenges faced by this group can be ameliorated (Boutot & Myles, 2016). With these issues in mind the current investigation considers the seven elements of ABA identified by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) in their seminal article on applied behavioral analysis and their application to individuals with ASD. Through a critical review of the seven elements of ABA in relation to ASD it will be possible to illustrate how this approach can be effective for improving outcomes for individuals diagnosed with autism.
Currently there are several different types of therapies, dietary regimens, and other interventions available to the families of children who have been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, only one set of techniques has been thoroughly researched enough to show unequivocally how efficacious the results have been for almost forty years. The principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) have been applied in several settings and have shown remarkable results. The positive treatment results have helped improve the lives of children who are diagnosed with ASD as well the lives of their families and caregivers. This paper will explore the beginnings of ABA therapy and track the progress of current research has made
Sam was the main character in this article, who had Asperger syndrome, which is a disorder of the autism spectrum disorder. Sam, like other children with ASD was at times hard to handle and become frustrated with his peers easily. Many times he would scream at those that he didn’t care for came near him or even touched him. His mom had a hard time connecting with Sam at times and he didn’t always listen to her. He especially never seemed to listen to her when it was time for her to take him to a sports club. Every Monday it consisted of her constantly telling Sam he had to go which resulted in her dragging him to the car. When Sam arrived to the Delaware Sports Club, ran by the University of Delaware, he didn’t always want to participate in the activities. Sam was being bragged or given rewards if he completed a physical activity. Physical activities to Sam was playing his video games and watching T.V. His instructors tried everything they could think of to get Sam to enjoy the physical activities they had planned for him. Nothing seemed to interest Sam and he would result to shutting down from everyone whenever he didn’t feel like doing the activity. However, the college students soon learned about a research that was being conducted with therapy dogs. Using a therapy dog during Sam’s physical activities sessions made him more interested and want to participate. His mom no longer had to force him to go to sports club, and he became so excited whenever his dog, Calli,
A review of the records reveals the member to be a young male with a birth date of 12/25/2004. The member has diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). His provider, Charles Kennedy, Ph.D. has requested MT at the continued rate of 4 hours per week for 120 days.
The purpose of this research paper is to reflect on the understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in depths. Autism Spectrum Disorder is categorized as a set of complex neurodevelopment disorders that accompany repetitive and specific patterns of behaviors along with difficulty with social interaction (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes [NINDS], 2015). This research paper will discuss Autism Spectrum Disorder in several aspects such as definition, symptoms, cause, diagnosis, treatment and relatable disorders.
The autism spectrum is very wide ranging and includes many symptoms. It goes from one or two mild developmental abnormalities all the way up to a person needing a lifetime of care. There are many contributors for autism however, researchers have not found the single cause of autism, and with that, they have not found a cure or accurate prevention methods. It has been found that children who have a sibling with ASD are much more likely to have it, which gives researchers a clue into genetics and how it plays a role in children being born with autism. This paper will discuss the different symptoms of ASD, and what treatments are used to help manage it. A case study will be discussed to show how a child presented with the disorder, and how they were able to live a normal life with the help of various methods of treatment. Genetics will be looked into in terms of siblings and the recurrence rate in families in a scientific study. In another, brain chemistry will be shown in ways that can affect the motor function of those diagnosed with ASD.