Editors Note: Important Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis as it Relates to Autism

Abstract

The field of behavioral intervention as it relates to intervention for autistics/individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder1 (ASD) has grown exponentially. As with the growth of any field dedicated to the service of others, this growth has come with its successes and failures, its inspiration and trepidations. Undoubtably, the lives of many diagnosed with ASD and their families have been improved through the dissemination and accessibility of quality behavioral services based on the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA). There is also little doubt, and emerging evidence, that the challenges related to the rapid growth of the field have also resulted in harms as a result of the misapplication or malpractice of ABA-based services. Answers to how we may address concerns related to this rapid growth such as maltreatment, improved quality, and increased access to progressive methods are not easy and cannot be answered in a single manuscript or issue of a journal. The purpose of this issue, instead, is to continue and expand on discussions examining some recent important topics in behavioral intervention specifically as it relates to care available for autistics/individuals diagnosed with ASD.