Applied behavior analysis in autism treatment

Applied Behavior

"Parent Education for Autism: Issues in Providing Services at a Distance."

Alexis Schoen (2003) discusses applied behavior analysis as an approach to treating autism. The author begins by defining applied behavior analysis as "characterized by discrete presentation of stimuli with responses followed by immediate feedback, an intense schedule of reinforcement, data collection and systematic trials of instruction." It is highly structured method utilized by Symon in her article "Parent Education for Autism: Issues in Providing Services at a Distance."

Symon (2001) examines effective support services for families of children with autism. The author acknowledges that individual and system level risk factors not associated with autism could "result in poor outcomes" and thus relies on positive behavioral interventions "that address individual and family needs to ameliorate risk factors" (Symon, 2001:160). Symon argues in favor of improved support services for families at a distance similar to ones tested locally that focus on an applied behavior approach to addressing behavioral problems associated with autistic patients.

Supported by the applied behavioral analysis approach to therapeutic intervention, Symon believes that it is critical to consider effective behavioral interventions and the importance of viewing individuals as an aspect of a parental educational program. Thus the author suggests highly individualized therapeutic intervention that is structured and works on a stimuli/response based approach.

Symon (2001) documents a review of the literature research available with regard to educational services in an attempt to develop service delivery models with the aim of effectively assisting and reaching families.

Symon begins her discourse with a synopsis of autism. This is followed by a discourse of the characteristic behaviors children with autism develop, and the factors that place them specifically at risk for a poor outcome. The risks associated with autism include lack of appropriate services, insufficient support systems, family stress and impaired social and communications skills, leading to qualitatively and quantitatively limited interactions (Symon, 2001).

Symon suggests that at the individual level individual intervention programs might be helpful, while resiliency factors introduced at both the individual and family level may help families cope. Symon takes great care to document some of the typical familial barriers to obtaining effective support services for children with autism. In addition the author notes that a lack of effective resources currently exist, due in part to negative staff attitudes and practices.

Symon backs her theories on positive behavioral support claiming that it emerges directly from the field of applied behavioral analysis, which works to address the "multiple levels of need for individuals with disabilities and those who support them" (Symon, 2001:160). The author goes on to stress that behavior modification aims at reducing challenging behaviors, however positive behavior support aims instead to improve the overall quality of life for patients with autism and for their families. This claim is supported by other researchers cited in the work including Albin, Lucyshyn, Horner, & Flannery (1996).

The applied behavioral and positive behavior approach developed by Symon considers individual and family needs for patients with autism as part of the larger system and factors that might influence a child's behaviors, in order to develop more comprehensive support interventions.

The author supports use of applied behavioral analysis procedures where parents would work with their children via a clinic or at home in a controlled setting that encourages one-on-one interaction. The role of the parent in this situation would be to present children with "a variety of discrete instructional tasks" that would require on-step commands. The child participating would be rewarded for giving correct responses and punished for not giving correct ones, in order to train children to respond to different commands and reinforcing positive behavior.

The approach suggested by the author has a high reinforcement level for parents and works as a direct treatment method where parents work with their children in the manner that therapists typically would.