03-02-2005, 06:53 PM
http://www.masslive.com/metroeastplus/re...248391.xml
Behavior analysis can aid victims of autism
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
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May I ask? Editor's note: This is the first in a series of monthly columns on autism and related disorders offered as a community service by the staff of the May Institute, which operates a school in West Springfield. Applied behavior analysis methodology is the application of basic behavioral practices - positive reinforcement, teaching in small steps, prompting and repeated practice - to facilitate the development of language, social interactions and independent living skills. It can also help reduce both everyday social problems and serious behavior disorders.
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Through the media and the Internet, parents often hear about many different types of procedures to treat autism, such as special diets or programs of sensory stimulation. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of these procedures.
Applied behavior analysis is the exception. Its procedures are rooted in scientific research.
Applied behavior analysis includes ongoing collection of performance data to help guide teachers in making decisions regarding how to best individualize instruction for each unique child.
Data collected and analyzed at the May Institute support the findings of hundreds of other studies that indicate applied behavior analysis is the most effective method to teach children and adolescents with autism, pervasive developmental disorder and other developmental disabilities. Its practices have been endorsed by the Surgeon General, the National Institutes of Health and the Association for Science in Autism Research.
The principles of applied behavior analysis can be used to teach a variety of skills and positive behaviors, including functional living skills, language, reading, social skills, positive peer interactions, academic engagement and independent play skills. Its methodology is also effective in decreasing challenging behaviors such as noncompliance, tantrums, bed-wetting, feeding problems, aggression and self-injury.
Applied behavior analysis can be effective in working with individuals of all ages; moreover, research shows that skill-development programs that are provided to children at a young age can have very positive outcomes.
Its techniques can be used both in the home and at school. The first step is to ensure that services are provided by qualified professionals, ideally those with Ph.D. or Psy.D. licensure, board certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and a number of years of supervised direct experience working with children.
The professional should evaluate the child to identify his or her specific needs for intervention and instruction. Next, goals and objectives are chosen, and systematic instructional procedures are determined. Therapists and other instructors are then taught the procedures and a plan for ongoing monitoring is developed.
What most attracts parents to an applied behavior analysis program are its positive and reinforcing tone, its strong focus on teaching new skills, the documentation of progress in reports and charts, its foundation in research, and the manner in which it is individualized for every child.
Parents who feel their children might be helped by applied behavior analysis-based procedures should visit local programs and talk with program administrators and other parents. In addition, parents need to make their needs known to the special education personnel in their local school districts.
Alan Harchik, Ph.D., is senior vice president, autism, mental retardation and developmental disabilities services for the May Institute in West Springfield. May Institute offers early intervention services, home-based and school consultation, parent information, and federally funded research and education programs. May operates a school for children and adolescents with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities as well as community programs for adults in West Springfield. For more information, contact May Institute at (8-00) 778-7601 or http://www.mayinstitute.org
Behavior analysis can aid victims of autism
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
===========================================
May I ask? Editor's note: This is the first in a series of monthly columns on autism and related disorders offered as a community service by the staff of the May Institute, which operates a school in West Springfield. Applied behavior analysis methodology is the application of basic behavioral practices - positive reinforcement, teaching in small steps, prompting and repeated practice - to facilitate the development of language, social interactions and independent living skills. It can also help reduce both everyday social problems and serious behavior disorders.
========================================
Through the media and the Internet, parents often hear about many different types of procedures to treat autism, such as special diets or programs of sensory stimulation. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of these procedures.
Applied behavior analysis is the exception. Its procedures are rooted in scientific research.
Applied behavior analysis includes ongoing collection of performance data to help guide teachers in making decisions regarding how to best individualize instruction for each unique child.
Data collected and analyzed at the May Institute support the findings of hundreds of other studies that indicate applied behavior analysis is the most effective method to teach children and adolescents with autism, pervasive developmental disorder and other developmental disabilities. Its practices have been endorsed by the Surgeon General, the National Institutes of Health and the Association for Science in Autism Research.
The principles of applied behavior analysis can be used to teach a variety of skills and positive behaviors, including functional living skills, language, reading, social skills, positive peer interactions, academic engagement and independent play skills. Its methodology is also effective in decreasing challenging behaviors such as noncompliance, tantrums, bed-wetting, feeding problems, aggression and self-injury.
Applied behavior analysis can be effective in working with individuals of all ages; moreover, research shows that skill-development programs that are provided to children at a young age can have very positive outcomes.
Its techniques can be used both in the home and at school. The first step is to ensure that services are provided by qualified professionals, ideally those with Ph.D. or Psy.D. licensure, board certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and a number of years of supervised direct experience working with children.
The professional should evaluate the child to identify his or her specific needs for intervention and instruction. Next, goals and objectives are chosen, and systematic instructional procedures are determined. Therapists and other instructors are then taught the procedures and a plan for ongoing monitoring is developed.
What most attracts parents to an applied behavior analysis program are its positive and reinforcing tone, its strong focus on teaching new skills, the documentation of progress in reports and charts, its foundation in research, and the manner in which it is individualized for every child.
Parents who feel their children might be helped by applied behavior analysis-based procedures should visit local programs and talk with program administrators and other parents. In addition, parents need to make their needs known to the special education personnel in their local school districts.
Alan Harchik, Ph.D., is senior vice president, autism, mental retardation and developmental disabilities services for the May Institute in West Springfield. May Institute offers early intervention services, home-based and school consultation, parent information, and federally funded research and education programs. May operates a school for children and adolescents with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and other developmental disabilities as well as community programs for adults in West Springfield. For more information, contact May Institute at (8-00) 778-7601 or http://www.mayinstitute.org