Pilot randomized controlled trial of a Functional Behavior Skills Training program for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who have significant early learning skill impairments and their families

Abstract

Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) possess early learning skill deficits and, do not achieve significant cognitive and adaptive gains following intensive behavioral intervention. This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of a Functional Behavior Skills Training (FBST) program in improving children's performance on functional skills and communication, mitigating children's problem behaviors, and improving parents’ strain, sense of competence, and, knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Fifteen children with ASD who demonstrated early, learning skill impairments (ages between 38 and 82months) were recruited from a community-based, IBI program or its waitlist. Children and their parents were randomized to a treatment group who, received FBST for four months or a control group who received their treatment as usual. Children who, received FBST improved on targeted functional skills and communication and demonstrated lower, levels of disruptive behavior. Meanwhile, parents who received FBST improved in their knowledge of, ABA. Overall, preliminary findings suggest that FBST is a feasible and promising behavioral, intervention for children with ASD who have early learning skill impairments. FBST promotes the, development of functional behavior and communication which can direct children onto a path of, appropriate skill development and meaningful interactions in the real world.