Electronic assessment and training curriculum based on applied behavior analysis procedures to train family members of children diagnosed with autism

Abstract

Recent research indicates that more than 10 million of the overall population of adults and children in India are diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Additionally, out of every 68 children born, 1 is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Lack of awareness as well as limited educational infrastructure, limits the integration of children diagnosed with Autism in schools and in society. ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) based interventions have been deemed to be the most effective in developing necessary skills that promote integration of children diagnosed with ASD in schools and society; however such intervention services in India are rarely available. Family members of children diagnosed with Autism therefore play an important role during rehabilitation process by teaching such children necessary deficit skills. A study done at an Autism clinic in India with 5 children showed higher rate (5 to 12 percent) of skill acquisition on a month by month basis when parents, specifically the mother, was trained on ABA procedures and started working with child on the same goals as those practiced at the Autism clinic. In this paper we propose an integration of electronic skill assessment tool, VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program), and web based training curriculum of 10 videos designed on ABA procedures for children of the school going age. The web based training curriculum will be designed incorporating cultural, language and affordability aspects related to Indian population and will be used by family members of the children diagnosed with Autism to upgrade their ABA therapeutic skills.