A Statement Of The Behavioral Psychology Program

The Ontario government is focused on providing effective early interventions for young children with autism (Perry, n.d.). Throughout the years, a substantial amount of research has been done regarding the neuroplasticity and the effectiveness of early intervention in young children (Perry, n.d.). The results of this research have given professionals a greater understanding for a new program directed to young children- which is designed and implemented for children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and some diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) are also eligible (Perry, n.d.). In 1999, $19 million was funded by the Ontario government to be invested in the services of Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI). This specific program is developed for children up to and including the age of 5 years old (Perry, n.d.).

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.

Through the years since Kanner first described infantile autism, much research has amassed on different methods of treating those diagnosed with autism and the various deficits and excesses they possess. As the 1960’s began, the learning theory approach to

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.

Looking at behavior of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders it can often be categorized in four broad categories. Attention/access is behavior that occurs so the child can obtain something that they want. (Heflin & Alaimo, 2011) Avoidance/Escape is a behavior that allows the child to escape something that is undesirable. (Heflin & Alaimo, 2011) Sensory-based is behavior that occurs to solicit pleasurable feedback. (Heflin & Alaimo, 2011) Pain attenuation is a behavior that so that a pain does not hurt so much not seen a lot in education. (Heflin & Alaimo, 2011) Three of the four behaviors will be addressed in how they manifest in the classroom, examples of these behaviors and recommendations to deal with behaviors.

Our first speaker for SW 325 The Helping Professional in Health Settings class was Sharon Boudreaux. Sharon has a Master of Arts in Teaching of special education. She focused on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for teaching children with autism and other forms of developmental setbacks. Sharon is currently the Director of Education Outreach at the Autism Center of North Mississippi (ACNM). The ACNM, which Sharon helped in creating and growing, provides educational and behavioral services to families and schools to help support children with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, learning difficulties, and challenging behaviors. The ACNM offers a multitude of services. Such services may include parent counseling, skill assessments, ABA therapy, services for schools, and parent and teacher training.

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.

Children with autism spectrum disorders life can be challenging. In the article “Practice Pathway Address Problems Behaviors for Children with ASD” (Haelle, Tara 2016). Practice Pathway “is to describe the expected practice in relation to children whose needs may fall within the autism spectrum disorder” (www.leics.gov.uk). It’s a program put in place for children with ASD. A treatment not a cure, but the right treatment for their problems. Two main issues for children with ASD is irritability and behavior. This study defined the behavior, assessed it, treated it and sees how effective treatment is.

The Thriving Child Center provides PCIT for children who act out or have behavioral problems. They teach parents skills to improve the parent-child relationship, implement discipline strategies, and apply the skills they learned to multiple settings. They individualize the program based on the family’s needs and personalities. They will track the child’s behavior at every session to make sure the child is improving. Dr. Clionsky is looking at PCIT for children with Autism Spectrum and how adaptations can be made to improve behaviors and attachment in autistic children using

This is the report to the Psychology 100 class assignment. In the assignment, I handed out surveys about my personality and asked others to rate me; then I collected and analyzed the data. The results will show that how other people see me may or may not be the same as I see myself.

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.

In the 1950's psychology researchers found that ordinary citizens' reaction to scientific evidence is based on societal risks. After viewing a football games with a series of controversial officiating decisions students from each institution were asked to make their own assessments. Students who attended the offending team's college reported seeing half as many illegal plays as did students from the opposing institution. Researchers concluded group ties unconsciously motivate people to view reality in a manner that reinforces those group ties.

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.

Seitler, Burton Norman PhD Intricacies, Complexities, and Limitations of Research on Autism Treatments: An Examination of Seven Treatment Approaches. Ethical Human Psychology & Psychiatry. 2011, Vol. 13 Issue 2, p155-168. 14p. DOI: 10.1891/1559-4343.13.2.155