Interventions
There is a wide range and much controversy surrounding the study and overall effectiveness of different interventions for children and adolescents possessing a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, regardless of the method of intervention, every intervention shares the common goal which focuses on improving functioning in one or a combination of the following areas: social, communication, behavior, and academic. Social functioning includes interaction with peers and others, engagement and appropriate participation in activities, while communication refers to goals of “effectively signaling information to a social partner” i.e. utilizing and recognizing aspects of communication such as requesting, labeling, expressive language, speech, pragmatics, etc. (Missouri Autism Guidelines Initiative, 2012). With respect to the behavioral domain of treatment, effective intervention seeks to result in an increase of individuals engaging in the positive, adaptive skills to respond to a situation, person, or environment. Finally academic refers to skills that are required for success with school activities (Missouri Autism Guidelines Initiative, 2012). Focus in these areas of functioning assists in guiding treatment goals and provides a guideline of what to measure in order to gauge the effectiveness of treatment.
The recognition and diagnosis of ASD continues to increase, cited by a greater general awareness of the disorder and ability of those
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 spectrum disorders are a set of similar disorders that each have their own challenges that educators must address. Although K-12 educators are not directly responsible for the types of interventions that individuals receive before they begin school, it is beneficial for educators to be aware of how those interventions work so they may incorporate useful elements in future teaching. Additionally, educators should have a stockpile of knowledge that they can draw from. This should include current research in the field because so much of education is research- and evidence-based. Therefore, it is the educator’s responsibility to ensure that they are aware of early intervention programs and are keeping up to date with the trends and best practices in the field.
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.
Autism is a developmental disorder and its frequency rate has risen significantly over the past decade. ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) is a disorder that can emerge in the development of the brain and can be characterized in varying degrees such as repetitive behaviors, impaired social interaction, and also verbal and nonverbal interactions. Social skill discrepancies are a key features within the spectrum of autism disorders. Interacting with one's peers can have a substantial positive impact on the lives of individuals with such disabilities. Interaction allows individuals on the autism spectrum to participate and build in their communities. Individuals having better social skills are more likely to be accepted in
Every case of autism is different. Symptoms and behaviors vary in severity and often change over time, thus, the method of treatment is specialized to the needs of that child or adult. It is said that early diagnosis can help these individuals develop to their full potential as the primary goal of treatment is to improve their overall ability to function. Individuals with autism positively respond to highly structured treatments that help improve communication, social, behavioral, and learning aspects of their lives. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that strategies such as; specialized therapies, behavioral training and management, medicines, and community support and parent training are the best ways to help individuals with
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The DSM-V includes a list of criteria that mentions what characteristics are present in a person with ASD. These include deficits in social communication
Researchers today have conducted new studies to revise how ASD can be diagnosed and treated. As I said before, the disorder is commonly
As mentioned before there are many interventions to treat autism in children. Parent Education and Training, Social Skills Training and Speech-Language Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Music Therapy, and Sensory Integration/Occupational Therapy are some of the most commonly used therapies. However, this study will focus only on applied behavior analysis (ABA) and music therapy and the benefits when they are used together.
Occurring in the first few years of life, the brain displays abnormal development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Symptoms see in Autism are manifold and include impairment in social relatedness, communication deficits, nonverbal behavior and interactions at the appropriate age range. Additional symptoms include the classic sign of repetitive speech, use of things, abnormal adherence to rituals or routines and fixation with various objects. Further, children can be hyper or hypo reactive to environmental stimuli and resistant to change. Interventions for Autism are early childhood treatment once a child has been diagnosed. These interventions include behavior management via a reward system which enables parents to establish consistency in structure rules and expectations at home in order to direct behavior and support development of socially acceptable behavior. Additionally, these children may get speech therapy and occupational therapy in order to enhance area of ADLs. SSRIs like Lexapro can help to improve anxiety and mood in these
Researchers have found that ASD appears to follow two likely developmental courses, the first development being a gradual progression, parents describe growing or potential concerns in development over the first two years of life and diagnosis is made around 3-4 years old. Potential early
All in all, it can be concluded that children and youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder have a neurodevelopmental disorder that impedes on their ability to communicate effectively, form relationships with others, as well as have restricted and repetitive behaviors. Typically, an early diagnosis is recommended for these children in order to begin early intervention, which thus will result in the successful outcomes for mastering life skills, along with functionality. It has been suggested that Applied Behavioral Analysis, Intense Behavioral Intervention, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are the most effective and common interventions that help treat targeted skill areas through program plans that adhere to a child’s individual based
This paper will review five studies concerning the behavior and development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The studies investigate how autism effects communication, socialization, cognitive development, and a number of other areas. Researchers use many different types of scales to measure and compare the difference between children with ASD and typically developing children.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is now described by the continual deficits in social communication, including, non-verbal communication, understanding relationships and the ability to reciprocate communication socially. In addition, the diagnosis of ASD includes the existence of restricted and repetitive behaviors (APA, 2013). The newly revised criterion has changed the way clinicians will have to diagnose individuals with impairments in regards to the aforementioned deficits.
In this case study, experimenters looked at the efficacy of using a multidisciplinary approach in order to manage undesirable and desirable behaviors in an adult with autism. The subject of this study was a 19-year old male with autism, who was characterized by inappropriate communication skills, poor socialization, and severe behavior when demands are not met immediately. Prior to intervention, a detailed clinical interview with the
Many different therapies have been used for a wide variety of disorders and disabilities. When looking at therapies for children with autism, they all seem to have some level of effectiveness for numerous, but not all, individuals. Therapies such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), music as therapy, Animal-Assisted Therapy, medication, and more are ways in which individuals with autism are being treated to cope with their disability. These therapies address many behavior abnormalities—one of which is the social behavior. With all the therapies and treatments that do exist, an important question to ask is the effectiveness of each one on the social behavior of children with autism. A gap that exists in the literature is comparing the different therapies in order to see which one is most effective.