What are the Statistical Significant Results of Applied Behavioral Analysis

on an Individual with a Disorder on the Autism Spectrum?

Samuel GreenbergArgosy University

Background1 in 150 American children are diagnosis

with Autism No know cure existsTreatment of symptoms is best available

optionCurrent research suggest that Applied

Behavioral Analysis is the most effective treatment

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ABA TherapyApplied Behavioral AnalysisStructured interventionDiscrete trialsObservable/recordable DataBehavioral interventionReinforces/punishersSkinnerian Technique

LovaasDr. Ivar Lovaas,Father of ABA TherapyHistorical 1987 studyN=40Compared first graders with autismFound those receiving ABA treatment showed

larger numbers of inclusion into mainstream school system

Early Intervention

Studies have shown early intervention is best approach to seeing lasting results

Children as young as 13 months of age have received ABA therapy

Adults who try to learn Language vs. Children Learning

ABA vs. ED(ED) Eclectic development proceduresOther forms of interventions2007 studySmall group of children on Autism spectrumAll mainstream kindergarten ABA therapy showed greater improvement of

social skills

What People Don’t KnowABA therapy relatively NewParents often under informedTrained individuals as opposed to general

teacher interventionABA therapy is evolving and adaptingEvidence based Data as opposed to theoretic

Training is available to all education levels

Practical Applications In school setting

Vocational setting

Home therapy (1:1 ratio)

The FutureABA therapy provides broadest set of

interventionFurther causal research neededAdapt as research continuesCombination of treatment for symptoms and

causal factors?Will research move from treatment to cure?