Social validity of behavioral practices in the treatment of autism—A review of the Super Nanny

Abstract

This study assessed the social validity of behavioral techniques (i.e., pivotal response treatment) used with a child diagnosed with autism as viewed on an episode of the Super Nanny [Frost, J. (Host). (2005). Facente family [television series episode]. In N. Powell (Producer), Super Nanny. New York: American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.]. Social validity refers to the social importance and acceptability of a given intervention. The participants watched an edited version of the Super Nanny in which the presentation of the order of segments (prior to intervention and receipt of intervention) was counterbalanced between two groups of undergraduate students enrolled in an introduction to psychology course. On a 20-item questionnaire, the students rated the acceptability of the family's interactions with the child before and after behavioral techniques were applied as well as the desirability and severity of the child's behavior. The acceptability and desirability of the child's behavior increased after the treatment was implemented. Further research should be conducted evaluating the social acceptability of popular treatments for autism spectrum disorders.