Applied Behavior Analysis
Practitioners of applied behavior analysis (ABA) aim to improve socially important behavior by using interventions that are based upon principles of learning theory and that have been evaluated in experiments using reliable and objective measurement. ABA methods are intended to support persons with autism spectrum disorders in many ways:
* To increase behaviors (e.g. to increase on-task behavior, or social interactions) and to teach new skills (e.g., life skills, communication skills, or social skills);
* To maintain behaviors (e.g., self control and self monitoring procedures to maintain and generalize job-related social skills);
* To generalize or to transfer behavior from one situation or response to another (e.g., from completing assignments in the resource room to performing as well in the mainstream classroom);
* To restrict or narrow conditions under which interfering behaviors occur (e.g., modifying the learning environment); and
* To reduce interfering behaviors (e.g., self injury or stereotypy).
The United States Surgeon General (1999) concluded, "Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning and appropriate social behavior."
Utilizing ABA as a teaching technology and treatment model for indivdiuals with Autism has been validated by The U. S. Surgeon General and the New York State Department of Health. These two organizations endorse Applied Behavior Analysis. Because autism is a severe, chronic developmental disorder, which results in significant lifelong disability, the goal of treatment is to promote the child’s social and language development and minimize behaviors that interfere with the child’s functioning and learning. Intensive, sustained special education programs and behavior therapy early in life can increase the ability of the child with autism to acquire language and ability to learn. Special education programs in highly structured environments appear to help the child acquire self-care, social, and job skills. Only in the past decade have studies shown positive outcomes for very young children with autism. Given the severity of the impairment, high intensity of service needs, and costs (both human and financial), there has been an ongoing search for effective treatment.
The New York State Health Department, in its Clinical Practice Guidelines, states: “It is recommended that principles of applied behavior analysis and behavior intervention strategies be included as an important element of any intervention program for young children with autism.” Applied Behavior Analysis is the design, implementation, and evaluation of systematic environmental modifications for the purpose of producing socially significant improvements in and understanding of human behavior based on the principles of behavior identified through the experimental analysis of behavior. It includes the identification of functional relationships between behavior and environments. Scientific evidence has established that high quality ABA administered to individuals with autism at a high intensity and duration produces comprehensive and lasting gains in many important skill areas. ABA has been successfully employed in educating persons with autism at all ages, but studies show that early, intensive intervention employing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis produce the best results. Over a span of 30 years, there is a wealth of validated and peer-reviewed studies supporting the efficacy of the ABA methodology to improve and sustain socially significant behaviors in individuals with autism.
Many studies show that ABA is effective in increasing behaviors and teaching new skills (Goldstein, 2002; Odom et al., 2003; McConnell, 2002). In addition, many studies demonstrate that ABA is effective in reducing problem behavior (Horner et al., 2002). A number of studies also indicate that, when implemented intensively (more than 20 hours per week) and early in life (beginning prior to the age of 4 years), ABA may produce large gains in development and reductions in the need for special services (Smith, 1999); however, large studies with strong experimental designs are needed to confirm the results reported for intensive, early intervention.
ABA is an effective intervention for many individuals with autism spectrum disorders. ABA interventions should be supervised by qualified behavior analysts [link to ABA consumer guidelines]. Because of the scientific support for ABA, professionals and families may wish to obtain additional information about this approach; resources are listed in the references below.
An important area for research is to conduct large studies with strong scientific designs to evaluate long-term outcomes of early, intensive ABA and other comprehensive ABA intervention programs.
Selected References:
Systematic reviews of scientific studies:
* Goldstein, H. (2002). Communication intervention for children with autism: A review of treatment efficacy. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32, 373-396.
* Horner, R. H., Carr, E. G., Strain, P. S., Todd, A. W., & Reed, H. K.(2002). Problem behavior interventions for young children with autism: A research synthesis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 32, 423-446.
* McConnell, S. (2002).Interventions to facilitate social interaction for young children with autism: Review of available research and recommendations for educational intervention and future research. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32, 351-372.
* Odom, S. L., Brown, W. H., Frey, T., Karasu, N., Smith-Canter, L. L., & Strain, P. S. (2003). Evidence-based practices for young children with autism: Contributions from single-subject design research. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 18, 166-175.
* Smith, T. (1999). Outcome of early intervention for children with autism. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 6, 33-49.
* United States Surgeon General (1998). Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General. Washington, DC: Author.
(Thank you to The Association for Science in Autism Treatment asatonline.org for some of the references above.)
