Behavior Analysis And Ethical Practices

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.

Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCAB) and working in the field thereafter requirements achieving timed steps. Steps include pursuing higher education in said field, meeting requirements such as coursework and experience, and examinations. The Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) provides requirements for obtaining and maintain a certification for this profession. To ensure success in the endeavour of this profession it is essential to create an action plan containing measurable, obtainable, timely goals. In the fast evolving global trends regarding behaviour, effective parameters need to be put in place to ensure that diverse behaviours in individuals are well analysed in order to provide a good remedy to the

Many of us have heard about Autism, also knows as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Some have a family member, a friend, or know someone who has ASD. Increasingly it is becoming a more common disability. “Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the U.S” (Autism Speaks). Autism has no respect for gender, race, social class and or ethnicity. “Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain.” (Autism Center of Excellence) People who have autism have a lot of difficulties with social skills, communication and also will develop behavior issues. These behavior problems of an individual with autism can vary at times and can go from mild to severe. According to the Autism Science Foundation it says,” Many people with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, and reacting to different sensations. The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASD can vary—from gifted to severely challenged.” The causes and symptoms, as well as the diagnosis, and the treatments of autism vary.

The term autism currently holds a meaning that is significantly different than when it was first adopted into our vocabulary in the 1960’s. The evolution of scientific discoveries within the field of autism research is remarkable and consistently improving. With the prevalence of autism continuing to reach sky rocketing numbers, the inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the school system is extremely important. Every child has the right to obtain an education and finding new methods that provide this for children with ASD is vital. Creating programs and techniques that can be personalized to a child is the key to them receiving the most out of their education. Discrete trial teaching, pivotal response treatment and picture

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.

In order to understand why people are for or against ABA, we must first understand what ABA is. According to Baer, Wolf, and Risley “Applied Behavioral Analysis is the processes of systematically applying interventions based upon the principals of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors to a meaningful degree” (Baer, Wolf, and Risley, 1968). This means using operant conditioning in order to teach proper social behavior. This technique is widely used by therapists for children who have Autism. As with most teaching methods, there are pro’s and con’s.

According to Bailey and Burch (2011), they had given nine core ethical principles for psychologists which was based on the book Ethical in Psychology (Koocher & Keith-Spiegel, 1998). Those core principles are also can be used in applied behaviour analysis field. The nine core principles are including: 1) Do no harm 2) Respecting autonomy 3) Benefiting others 4) Being Just 5) Being Truthful 6) According Dignity 7) Treating others with caring and compassion 8) Pursuit of excellence 9) Accepting responsibility. Behaviour analysts should follow those basic principles.

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.

Offit, Paul A. Autism's False Prophets: Bad Science, Risky Medicine, and the Search for a Cure. New York: Columbia UP, 2008.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, autism is defined as a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interactions and verbal and nonverbal communication. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may also display attention deficits, engage in repetitive behaviors, resist environmental changes, have unusual sensory experiences, and may exhibit inappropriate behaviors that have adverse impacts on educational performance (Delano, 2007). The incidence of children identified with ASD has steadily increased and has thus changed the dynamics of education. Due to the number of children diagnosed with autism dramatically increasing over the last fifteen years, the demand for research-based

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

In today’s society, we believe that all humans should be treated equal. We see this every day; on the news, blogs, social networking websites, worldwide campaigns. In her online journal article about life with a child with autism, “Tackling That Troublesome Issue of ABA and Ethics”, published in October of 2012, Ariane Zurcher argues that the issue of ABA therapy should affect either more than those individuals living with autism, or no one at all. ABA therapy is an applied behavior analysis in which patients with autism are motivated to do a certain task; they are often rewarded in hope of having an action come naturally. Zurcher dives into an article by Michelle Dawson, The Misbehavior of Behaviorists: Ethical Challenges to the Autism ABA Industry, which is so often used in Zurcher’s own article to back up her argument regarding ABA therapy. She explains how this argument stems from an inadequate definition of what equality is and how we should not use a therapy technique different from what we would use for a neurotypical individual, “If we really believe Autistic people (and children) deserve the same respect, are truly considered equal as those in the neurotypical population, ABA presents some real problems.” (Zurcher 1; par. 4)

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.

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.

Applied Behavior Analysis analysts are required to know the steps that are needed and necessary for behavior modification. This type of modification requires a clear definition of the behavior needing modification (target behavior), how this will benefit the individual in need of the modification, a clear plan of modification, and consistent data gathering to determine the effectiveness of the proposed behavior modification plan. In order to achieve a successful modification plan, the ABA professional first needs to gather information about the individual either by direct or indirect means. The modification must always been in the best interest of the individual, or those closest to the individual, and it must be a functional modification that can be carried out in the absence of the analyst. The ABA professional needs to understand the needs of each client. In order to do this, the professional will have to assess the behavior, gather data, identify a target behavior, propose a hypothesis about an intervention, implement the modification program, gather more data about the effectiveness of the program, and report about the outcome.