Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy Research Articles

Iterative Development of Caregiver-Implemented Behavioral Intervention via Telehealth: A Focus on Feasibility

Purpose:Applied behavior analysis (ABA) interventions are considered an evidence-based practice for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, behavior analytic professionals quickly pivoted ABA therapy to the telehealth modality to ensure continuity of services. In particular, this modality has been reported to be particularly effective for caregiver training. As the world transitions from the pandemic, sustainability of the telehealth modality is now in question, with consumer perceptions regarding the feasibility of telehealth identified as crucial to long-term adoption.Method:The article presents two studies conducted over 2 years within a larger host study. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to develop an acceptable and feasible telehealth model by focusing on three aspects of behavioral intervention via telehealth: (a) usability and feasibility of the program as rated by caregivers and coaches, (b) effect of the program on caregiver stress, and (c) choice of telehealth dosage.Results:Results from Study 1 indicate the telehealth modality was usable and feasible for the caregivers and trainers but that they had difficulty scheduling sessions into their daily schedule. Results from Study 1 also suggest that caregiver-led intervention via telehealth led to increased caregiver sense of competency including increased sense of efficacy and satisfaction. Results from Study 2 indicate that caregivers prefer limited or focused services via telehealth as compared to more comprehensive services.Conclusion:Overall, these findings confirm previous research identifying the telehealth modality as feasible but highlight the need to account for impact of the dosage on caregivers.

Meta analisis: Efektivitas terapi Applied Behavior Analysis terhadap kemampuan komunikasi anak dengan Autism Spectrum Disorder

Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) become frustrated in their attempts to make their feelings, thoughts, and needs known. They may act out their frustrations through inappropriate behaviors. This lack of communication skill needs to be treated early to prevent future developmental delays. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most frequently used intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, many studies have found inconsistent results regarding its effectiveness. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of ABA on the communication skills of children with ASD assessed by Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). Meta analysis method is used in this study. Data is processed through statdirect trial version 3.0 application. This study involved 14 experiments using ABA therapy for children with ASD (total n experiment groups = 304 and total n control groups = 244). Based M, SD, and N on data analysis, the effect size value obtained from the fixed effect (I² = 55.7%) was 0.210 (95% CI = 0.035 to 0.384; small effect size). These results do not support the effectiveness of ABA in improving communication skills in ASD children. We suggests that ABA therapy should be carried out with other interventions that target specific communication skills. Future researchers should conduct research replication to increase references on the effectiveness of ABA therapy.

Internet of Things (IoT)-Enhanced Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for Special Education Needs.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has become a popular behavioral therapy in the special education needs (SEN) community. ABA is used to manage SEN students’ behaviors by solving problems in socially important settings, and puts emphasis on having precise measurements on physical and observable events. In this work, we present how Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can be applied to enhance ABA therapy in normal SEN classroom settings. We measured (1) learning performance data, (2) learners’ physiological data, and (3) learning environment sensors’ data. Upon preliminary analysis, we have found that learners’ physiological data is highly diverse, while learner performance seems to be related to learners’ electrodermal activity. Our preliminary findings suggest the possibility of enhancing ABA for SEN with IoT technologies.

Terapi Applied Behavior Analysis Meningkatkan Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial pada Anak Autisme Umur 7-12 Tahun

This study aims to determine the effect of applied behavior analysis therapy on social interaction in children with autism aged 7-12 years at SDLB SLB Negeri 2 Buleleng. The type of this research is pre-experimental research with one group pre-post test design. The results of the univariate analysis, most of the respondents were male 53 respondents (85.5%), the level of moderate social interaction was 46 respondents (74.2%) autistic children before being given treatment, and the high level of social interaction was 40 respondents (64, 5%) autistic children after being given treatment. The results of this study indicate an effect of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy with a high level of social interaction totaling 40 respondents (64.5%) of autistic children after being given treatment. The results of data analysis with the Wilcoxon test get a value of 0.000 or p <α (0.05). In conclusion, Applied Behavior Analysis therapy has an effect on social interaction in children with autism aged 7-12 years at SDLB SLB Negeri 2 Buleleng.
 
 Keywords: Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism, Social Interaction

Keeping up with the evidence base: Survey of behavior professionals about Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions.

Primary service providers for young children on the autism spectrum and developmentally delayed children use many strategies under the umbrella of applied behavior analysis therapy. The evidence supporting interventions for children on the autism spectrum has changed last decade, and powerful research supports the relative effectiveness of Naturalistic Developmental Behavior Interventions, yet a few professionals serving young children on the autism spectrum receive training in this category of interventions. Board Certified Behavior Analysts and related professionals are the primary service providers for this population. The purpose of this survey study is to describe and understand the knowledge and beliefs that Behavior Analyst Certification Board certificants have around Naturalistic Developmental Behavior Interventions. The survey was completed by 901 respondents. Respondents indicated, on average, little to no knowledge of Naturalistic Developmental Behavior Intervention practices and few believe that these practices are effective or appropriate for the field. Recommendations include increasing training opportunities for related professionals, and changing certification requirements to match the current evidence.

An intensive telehealth assessment and treatment model for an adult with developmental disabilities

Over the last decade, the provision of applied behavior analysis (ABA) services within a telehealth delivery format has had a flourishing literature base. Research has demonstrated that caregivers can successfully conduct functional analyses and functional communication training to treat challenging behavior with coaching from practitioners via telehealth. Previous limitations include research that has only been conducted with children, typically in 1hr, weekly meetings, so the utility of providing ABA therapy via telehealth across the lifespan is unknown. Additionally, the effects of a more intensive treatment format delivered via telehealth has not been evaluated. The purpose of the current study was to coach caregivers to conduct the assessment and treatment process for a young man with developmental disabilities using an intensive-outpatient model in a telehealth format. Functional analysis procedures led to the development of a function-based treatment to reduce challenging behavior and increase functional communication. Caregivers demonstrated high procedural integrity across all phases of the study and found the intervention highly acceptable and effective. Areas for future research and directions are discussed.

Intervention Approaches Used for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder—Autism Toolkit

Intervention Approaches Used for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder—Autism Toolkit

Improving the Effectiveness of Individual ABA Therapy of Autistic Children Through Addition Foldable Table Top

<span lang="IN">Children with autism</span><span lang="EN-US"> tend to have difficulty </span><span lang="IN">to sit </span><span lang="EN-US">still during therapy. This causes </span><span lang="IN">hindrance</span><span lang="IN">in</span><span lang="IN">the </span><span lang="EN-US">therapy process. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is one of the best proven ways to treat children with autism. ABA method usually uses a special table called ABA table. However, the ABA table still has some problems </span><span lang="IN">in its use</span><span lang="EN-US">. When autistic children throw a tantrum, they often push the t</span><span lang="IN">herapy</span><span lang="EN-US"> table. This </span><span lang="IN">makes </span><span lang="EN-US">the therapist</span><span lang="IN">s have to</span><span lang="EN-US"> hold the table with their feet and </span><span lang="IN">hurts </span><span lang="EN-US">the therapists feet makes therapy ineffective. This study aims to investigate the effect of oval curvature,</span><span lang="EN-US">base</span><span lang="IN"> mat addition</span><span lang="EN-US"> and alternative designs of a </span><span lang="IN">foldable</span><span lang="EN-US"> table top </span><span lang="IN">addition </span><span lang="EN-US">on the ABA table. The results of this evaluation are expected to </span><span lang="IN">improve</span><span lang="EN-US"> the effectiveness of ABA table as a therapeutic tool. Research method used </span><span lang="IN">observations</span><span lang="EN-US"> were carried out using three types of tables. Namely Table A, which is commonly used in ABA therapy, with oval </span><span lang="IN">curvature</span><span lang="IN">on its</span><span lang="EN-US"> edge and without a permanent base</span><span lang="IN"> mat</span><span lang="EN-US">, and Table B, which is a table without oval </span><span lang="IN">curvature</span><span lang="EN-US"> on </span><span lang="IN">its</span><span lang="EN-US"> edge</span><span lang="IN"> but</span><span lang="EN-US"> with a permanent base</span><span lang="IN"> mat</span><span lang="EN-US"> and table C is equipped with a foldable table top and permanent </span><span lang="IN">base mat</span><span lang="EN-US">.</span><span lang="IN"> O</span><span lang="EN-US">bservation</span><span lang="IN">s</span><span lang="IN">were</span><span lang="EN-US"> carried out </span><span lang="IN">on</span><span lang="EN-US"> therapy session</span><span lang="IN">s</span><span lang="EN-US"> of 15 children with autism (12 boys, 3 girls) The results of the second stage testing show that table C</span><span lang="EN-US">is the best recommendation for use in</span><span lang="IN"> ABA</span><span lang="EN-US"> therapy because it can help increase attention, overcome aggressive behavior and help train</span><span lang="EN-US">self-development</span><span lang="EN-US">in children with autism.</span>

Is long-term ABA therapy abusive: A response to Sandoval-Norton and Shkedy

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a common treatment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a recent volume of this journal, Sanvodal-Norton and Shkedy (2019) published a criticis...

The Effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy on Eye Contact Enhancement, Stereotypical Behaviors and Reduction of Behavioral Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum

Abstract: The present research aimed to determine the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis therapy on eye contact enhancement, stereotypical behaviors and reduction of behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum. The statistic population of research were all of children with autism spectrum in Tabriz city during 2015-16 which 40 of them were selected as available samples and were assigned randomly in experimental and control groups. The pre- test was done at first by using GARS (1994) and ASSQ (1993) questionnaires and ABA therapy was performed on experimental group. Researcher`s self-made therapeutic package was used for therapy and both questionnaires were filled again on control and experimental groups as post- tests. Spss software was used to analyze the data and obtained results of Covariance analysis revealed that applied behavior analysis therapy was essentially effective on eye contact and social interaction enhancement and stereotypical and masochistic behaviors reduction.

The Effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy in Children with Autism Spectrum

The present research aimed to determine the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis therapy on eye contact enhancement, stereotypical behaviors and reduction of behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum. The statistic population of research were all of children with autism spectrum in Tabriz city during 2015-16 which 40 of them were selected as available samples and were assigned randomly in experimental and control groups. The pre- test was done at first by using GARS (1994) and ASSQ (1993) questionnaires and ABA therapy was performed on experimental group. Researcher`s self-made therapeutic package was used for therapy and both questionnaires were filled again on control and experimental groups as post- tests. Spss software was used to analyze the data and obtained results of Covariance analysis revealed that applied behavior analysis therapy was essentially effective on eye contact and social interaction enhancement and stereotypical and masochistic behaviors reduction. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

Effects of EEG examination and ABA-therapy on resting-state EEG in children with low-functioning autism.

ObjectiveWe aimed to study the effects of EEG examination and ABA-therapy on resting-state EEG in children with low-functioning autism and tactile defensiveness.MethodsWe have performed this study with three cohorts of preschoolers: children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) who needed applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy due to their tactile defensiveness; children with ASD who didn't need ABA therapy; and the control group of healthy children. Number of microstates was determined in the initial and final parts of the resting-state EEGs.Results and conclusionsChildren with higher tactile defensiveness for the most part had specific EEG microstates associated with unpleasant emotions and senses. The EEG microstates of children with ASD who did not need ABA therapy, had more similarities with the EEG microstates of typically developing children except for temporary changes. Meanwhile, the children with tactile defensiveness demonstrated typical patterns of EEG microstates from start to finish of the procedure.

Pre- and Post-therapy Assessment of Clinical Outcomes and White Matter Integrity in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Pilot Study.

Objective: This pilot study aims to identify white matter (WM) tract abnormalities in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) toddlers and pre-schoolers by Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), and to correlate imaging findings with clinical improvement after early interventional and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies by Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP).Methods: DTI scans were performed on 17 ASD toddlers/pre-schoolers and seven age-matched controls. Nine ASD patients had follow-up MRI 12 months following early intervention and ABA therapy. VB-MAPP was assessed and compared at diagnosis, 6 and 12 months after therapies. Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) was used to measure fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial (RD) diffusivity.Results: VB-MAPP scores improved at 6 and 12 months after early intervention and ABA therapy compared to scores at baseline. TBSS analysis showed significant FA decrease and/or RD increase in ASD patients before therapy vs. controls in inferior fronto-occipital fasciculi, uncinate fasciculi, left superior fronto-occipital fasciculus, forceps minor, left superior fronto-occipital fasciculus, right superior longitudinal fasciculus, corona radiate bilaterally, and left external capsule. A significantly FA increase in 21 tracts and ROIs is reported in post- vs. pre-therapy DTI analysis.Conclusion: DTI findings highlighted ASD patient WM abnormalities at diagnosis and confirmed the benefits of 12 months of early intervention and ABA therapy on clinical and neuro imaging outcomes.

Delivering Home-Supported Applied Behavior Analysis Therapies to Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families.

The selection and adoption of culturally appropriate targets and practices, especially for home-based or parent-supported services, is an emerging interest in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Variations in cultural norms, caregivers' ability to participate in home-based service delivery, and family and practitioner linguistic competencies are some of the areas that the culturally competent ABA therapist must consider when designing a home-based program of therapy. Given the paucity of empirical research related to cultural competency in ABA service provision, the goal of the current article is to provide practitioners, their supervisors, and researchers with information to overcome many perceived barriers to successfully working with clients whose home languages or cultures differ from that of the dominant U.S. culture. Practical examples, integration of research from ABA and allied fields, and terminology are used to support these points and provide actionable guidance grounded in empirical literature.

How much compliance is too much compliance: Is long-term ABA therapy abuse?

This article discusses the prevalence of ASD with specific regard to the most ubiquitous current treatment, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). A discussion of some of the issues with the underlying theory of ABA in its current application is conducted, especially with regard to “lower functioning” and nonverbal autistic individuals; namely, the curtailing of soothing “stimming” behaviors, operant conditioning, behaviorist principles that research has continued to prove it is not apt for usage with autistic individuals, as well as the unintended but damaging consequences, such as prompt dependency, psychological abuse and compliance that tend to pose high costs on former ABA students as they move into adulthood. Serious issues with the application of ABA to autistic students, specifically “lower functioning” and nonverbal ones, are discussed, especially with regard to lack of current and longitudinal scientific testing and research with respect to these individuals. These effects and the trauma that occurs resultantly are categorized as abuse. Finally, drivers of the expanded usage of ABA within the autistic community despite a lack of efficacy are also discussed, such as a potential current market size as large as $17 billion annually and the deficiency of variety in techniques used by the psychologists and behavior technicians who utilize ABA with ASD students, as well as a lack of introspection about the true effectiveness of the technique amongst the whole population on the part of these professionals.

Effectiveness of ABA Therapy for Children with Special Needs of Autism: A Study of Psycholinguistics View

The background of this study is the recognition of an expert consultant psychiatrist named dr. Suzy Yusna SpKJ, who stated in our interview that based on the experience of practice before the 1990's the number of patients who were diagnosed as a child with autistic disorder in a year is only about five people. However, at this time of day can be diagnosed, three new patients. This shows a significant increase in autism. This study aims to describe (1) the effectiveness of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy model to increase autistic children's language; and (2) language development of children with autism after acquiring learning methods ABA therapy. This research method is descriptive research. The study takes its source data from children with special needs at Rumah Autis Bogor. Five children were selected as the research participants. We conclude that Lovaas’ ABA method to prove the effectiveness of these therapies through phases and methods. Therapists who are experts in this field also helped determine the success in measuring the response level of language learning for children with autism. Thus, effective ABA therapy model applied in improving the language of children with autism. Before the ABA method is applied, the average child's ability to speak to one type of vocabulary requires learning four to five times (four and five days) with bad judgment and poor. However, after being given an action, then the average language skills of children with autism increased by only one or two lessons (one and two days) with the excellent score.

Predictors of longitudinal ABA treatment outcomes for children with autism: A growth curve analysis

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes lifelong disability. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most empirically studied and validated approaches for treating children diagnosed with ASD. Due to the heterogeneity of ASD, it is important to ascertain who will most benefit from treatment. MethodsIn this study, 35 participants, with a mean entry age of 3 years, received ABA therapy. Children were assessed at intake and every 6 months thereafter using the Developmental Profile-3 (DP-3) to measure their communication, social-emotional, adaptive behavior, and physical development (2–6 measures per participant). Using a growth curve analysis, we investigated if age, diagnosis severity, cognitive functioning, treatment hours, gender, parent education level, or primary language spoken at home significantly predicted the growth trajectories of ABA treatment outcomes. ResultsOur findings indicated that higher cognitive functioning significantly predicted faster growth across all four developmental domains, age at entry predicted initial status, and other variables only predicted growth rates in one or two domains. ImplicationsKnowing the predictors of treatment outcome is important information for customizing treatment and this study demonstrated how longitudinal analyses can illuminate how participant characteristics affect the course of ABA therapy.

Increasing Autism Awareness in Inner-City Churches: A Brief Report

Autism diagnosis rates trail significantly in the African American community. This pre-test post-test pilot study evaluated an African American inner-city church health ambassadors (HAs) autism spectrum disorder (ASD) awareness training session. The participants included 12 HAs who attended the 1 hour training session organized by the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Results of surveys showed higher mean scores post training for (1) HA attitudes about the potential for children to improve with applied behavior analysis therapy; (2) HA self-efficacy for having information about ASD screening materials; (3) strategies HAs could use to help parents/caregivers of children with developmental delays and challenging behaviors; (4) HA confidence in referrals for children with signs of ASD; (5) HA knowledge of measures to take to maximize a child's chance of receiving an ASD evaluation; and (6) HA comfort for talking to parents about children with challenging behaviors. Several of these effects were maintained 3 months later. Findings underscore the usefulness of the intervention for increasing the dissemination of knowledge about ASD and the opportunity to positively affect ASD screening, early intervention, and policy standards applicable to this vulnerable population.

Evidence-Based Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that manifest in early childhood and persist throughout the lifespan; treatment should reflect the unique challenges for that individual at each developmental stage. In early childhood, treatment should focus on the acquisition of language, play skills, joint attention, and effective communication strategies through intensive behavioral and educational interventions, particularly Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Middle childhood and adolescence presents a time for continued skills acquisition, including development of social skills, peer relationships, and maximizing supports for academic weaknesses. In older adolescence and young adulthood, developing vocational and adaptive living skills to maximize opportunities for independence becomes important. ASD are lifelong disorders, and treatment in adulthood includes ensuring opportunities for social, leisure, and vocational activities, maintaining physical health through diet and exercise, and support for transitions in caregiving as parents age. Throughout the lifespan, clinicians should remain mindful of medical complications that can affect behavior and may not be readily apparent in individuals with limited verbal abilities, including gastrointestinal problems such as reflux and constipation, seizures, and allergies. Current pharmacological interventions are primarily aimed at ameliorating the challenging emotional and behavioral symptoms that accompany ASD rather than the core symptoms of ASD themselves. However, substantial evidence-based research into most medications for ASD is lacking. Two atypical antipsychotics, risperidone and aripiprazole, have indication for the treatment of severe irritability in youths with ASD, though all other medication use in ASD is considered off-label. Behaviorally based therapies, including ABA and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may be helpful for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and impaired self-regulation. Clinicians should remain mindful that many families will seek out complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches for their child, and appropriate guidance about the safety and efficacy of these interventions should be offered. Drug therapies that directly target the varied neurobiological underpinnings of ASD are an area of great interest for future research and treatment.

Combining psychological and engineering approaches to utilizing social robots with children with autism.

It is estimated that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 68 children. Early identification of an ASD is exceedingly important to the introduction of an intervention. We are developing a robot-assisted approach that will serve as an improved diagnostic and early intervention tool for children with autism. The robot, named PABI® (Penguin for Autism Behavioral Interventions), is a compact humanoid robot taking on an expressive cartoon-like embodiment. The robot is affordable, durable, and portable so that it can be used in various settings including schools, clinics, and the home. Thus enabling significantly enhanced and more readily available diagnosis and continuation of care. Through facial expressions, body motion, verbal cues, stereo vision-based tracking, and a tablet computer, the robot is capable of interacting meaningfully with an autistic child. Initial implementations of the robot, as part of a comprehensive treatment model (CTM), include Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy where the child interacts with a tablet computer wirelessly interfaced with the robot. At the same time, the robot makes meaningful expressions and utterances and uses stereo cameras in eyes to track the child, maintain eye contact, and collect data such as affect and gaze direction for charting of progress. In this paper we present the clinical justification, anticipated usage with corresponding requirements, prototype development of the robotic system, and demonstration of a sample application for robot-assisted ABA therapy.