A Communication Plan for Autism and its Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment: A Framing Strategy

Abstract

To generate public awareness and get people to engage in the required treatment behavior of a health-related condition, communication plays a central function. Communication theory has demonstrated that the framing of an issue can increase its public awareness and perceived importance. Research on communication campaigns indicates that the most important frames in a health-related issue address audience resistance barriers to behavior change, notably an evaluation of the threat of condition applicability to self and the efficacy of recommended treatment options. An application of framing concepts to autism reveals that communication must be framed to address audience barriers by including information about the frequency of its threat, its symptoms, and the vital fact that the condition can be improved by conducting interventions based on principles of applied behavior analysis. Because evaluating efficacy of treatment recommendations is critical, communication about applied behavior analysis should also be framed to include the effectiveness of early intervention treatment and peer and parent involvement. The application of communication concepts to autism and its applied behavior analysis treatment will hopefully assist the people who are responsible for diagnosing and treating the condition to better frame their communication so it has the most positive behavioral impact.