Four Functions Of Behavior Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is a form of neurodevelopment disorder in the autism spectrum disorders. It is characterized by impaired development in social interactions and communication, both verbal and non-verbal. There is an observed lack of spontaneous acts of communication; both receptive and expressed, as well as speech impairments. A person diagnosed with Autism will also show a limited range of activities and interests, as well as forming and maintain peer relationships. The individuals will display limited interests, which are often very focused and repetitive. He or she is likely to be very routine oriented and may show behavioral symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggressiveness, and self-injurious behaviors.

Autism is described by many struggles in behavior, social situations, verbal and nonverbal abilities and sensory difficulties (Rotatori et al. 2003). Children with this disorder often display abnormal enactments because of the troubles one have with returning to her environment. Behavior difficulties may perhaps arise as the effect of her amplified sensitivity to a noise, visual or what she felt.

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.

Autism spectrum disorders are a class of developmental disorders that impair social skills, behavior, and communication (Center for Disease Control). ASDs are considered ‘spectrum’ disorders because each patient has a unique experience in the nature and severity of their symptoms (Center for Disease Control). Under the umbrella of ASDs, there are three types of disorders, including Autistic disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (Center for Disease Control). Autistic disorder is the most severe of the three, and patients exhibit significant problems with language, communication, and behavior (Center for Disease Control). Furthermore, people with Autistic disorder often have some intellectual impairment (Center for Disease Control). Asperger Syndrome is a milder form of autistic disorder where patients have some developmental delays, but their language and intellect are not affected (Center for Disease Control). The mildest of the ASDs is the pervasive developmental disorder. These patients usually don’t meet all of the criteria for autistic disorder, but do show some signs of social and communication problems (Center for Disease Control). The number of children diagnosed with ASD is growing, and currently 1 in 88 children fall somewhere on the spectrum (Mari-Bauset et al., 2013). Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism, and while the exact cause of these disorders is unknown, both genetic and

Some individuals with autism develop an intense interest in things to the exclusion of other things going on around them and their interest could seem almost ‘obsessive’ to most people. It is sometimes possible to ‘channel’ an individual’s interest and use it as a way of supporting them to develop skills and knowledge, for example, using the bus timetable to assist with numeracy skills or independent living. Some individuals with autism may feel the need to calm their anxiety or to stimulate themselves; this can be seen through self-stimulatory behaviours such as spinning, pacing, waving hands in front of face. There are times were individuals may display repetitive movements and behaviour.

Applied behavior analysis, or ABA therapy, is a tool that helps children, especially those with autism, succeed in daily life. ABA applies basic behavioral practices, including positive reinforcement, teaching in small steps, prompting, and repeated practice, to facilitate the development of a child’s language, social interactions, independent living skills, and other aptitudes. Originated by the scientific principles of Dr. B.F. Skinner in the 1960s, ABA methods gained popularity treating children with autism in the 1980s because the therapy works. Based on decades of research, (Read the research) ABA is proven to be the most effective method to teach children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

Plethora of instructional formats can be used by teachers when teaching children with autism. Some of the instructional formats commonly used with children with ASD include small group instruction, one-on-one instruction, peer-mediated instruction, discrete trial and direct instruction. Use of reinforcement can be highly effective when delivering instruction to children with autism. Several forms of reinforcement can be utilized to increase desired behavior, such as use of computers, edibles, toys, stickers, and verbal praises depending on what’s motivating for the child. Barton, Lawrence, & Deurloo (2012) suggested that “Identifying and using individualized reinforcers are useful for maintaining motivation and can be essential to the

The self-reflection, assessment of student performance, and learning environment assessment show that an essential priority in my practice is pursuing additional instructional and behavioral strategies to impact students with autism who currently exhibit Self Injurous Behavior SIB. As an educator, I am interested in creating a proactive environment to limit triggers that often lead to SIB in students with autism. Additionally, implementing appropriate and evidenced-based reactive strategies for when SIB do occur is an important component of providing effective classroom behavioral supports. My learning goal, stated as an essential question to guide research and my learning process is:

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.

Individuals with autism demonstrate delays or deficits in social interaction and behaviours. Autism is apparent from early childhood, but can emerge in early adulthood. It is associated with a wide range of possible causes, but genetic factors are the main causes. Children with autism have impairments in cognition, language delays, and lack of or poor social interactions. Lack of communication may force these children to adopt repetitive behaviours such as self-inflicted injuries and violence. The teaching process requires interventions that address the repetitive behaviours, skill development, and play

An individual with autism spectrum disorder will also show repetitive motor movements, inflexibility adherence to routines, fixated interests on certain objects, and hyper or hypo-reactivity to sensory input in the environment (DSM-5, 2013). In social communication and interaction according to the Mayo Clinic (2014), some symptoms include failing to respond to their name, resisting cuddling, poor eye contact, and can be physically aggressive or disruptive. Food preferences, in terms of certain texture, is a behavior pattern, according to the Mayo Clinic

The results from this study were broken up into three parts: baseline characteristics, impact on the symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and effects on the behaviors, communication skills, imitation, and repetitive behaviors. During the beginning practices, the behaviors that were coming up in the classrooms

This case study consists of a first grade student, Adam, who displays minimal social interaction and exhibits patterns of disruptive behavior in the form of tantrums. Although he has deficits in communication and social skills, Adam excels in completing certain tasks that are designed for upper level students. After reviewing the symptoms and the reactions he exhibits, I believe the student has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At this time, I would choose treatment options that implement behavior modification techniques. I believe this is the correct form of treatment due to his behaviors not being severe enough to be treated with medication. He is not exhibiting out of control conduct and displays some social skills. Behavior therapy teaches the person that through certain techniques they can minimize their symptoms. Side effects from medication can have serious effects on a child’s developing brain, “’Autistic children have a broader range of side effects than do non-autistic individuals,’ Dr. Elliott says. ‘I often think of them as having a “raw brain” effect. It's like having sunburn; things that normally wouldn't affect you, like a pat on the back, do. You have to be more careful getting started’” (Arky, 2012). These medications can have long-term side effects if not taken or monitored correctly. Based on the condition of the patient, I believe behavioral modification techniques would be the most effective treatment in this case.

Autism is a childhood developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life. There are many possible symptoms individuals with autism experience. One human autistic behavior in children ages one to four is the lack of play development and social skills. Children with autism oftentimes engage in nonsocial activities while choosing to play with a restricted selection of objects for long periods of time. They tend to spend considerably less time playing functionally than children without autism (Fabienneet al., 2008). For example, most kids play “house” and use their imagination, but children with autism are likely to lack these skills in symbolic play. They would rather spend time with visual examination of just one toy or object.

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is one of many developmental disabilities that affect students learning. In fact, in the United States, Autism is the fastest-growing severe developmental disorder (“What is Autism,” n.d.). Also, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder is 1 in 68 children and the prevalence in boys is 1 in 42 children (“What is Autism,” n.d.). Furthermore, Autism Spectrum Disorders also affects the way a child learns and over the years, several teaching strategies have been developed to help teachers to effectively educate students with Autism. Research has also been conducted to develop and test new teaching strategies for Autism and continues in playing an important role in the education of students with Autism.