Evidence-based Interventions for Autism
Practitioners of applied behavior analysis (ABA) aim to improve socially relevant behavior by using interventions that are based upon principles of learning theory and that have been evaluated in experiments using reliable and objective measurement.
Evidence-based Practice Means:
- The effects of the intervention MUST be measurable (i.e., improved reading scores on the Woodcock - Johnson)
- The Intervention MUST show a clear cause - and - effect relationship with improved outcomes (i.e., using a control / comparison or experimental group).
- ABA is known for Single-Subject research designs
- The Intervention studies are sufficiently replicated.
ABA methods are intended to support persons with autism spectrum disorders in many ways:
- To increase behaviors (e.g. to increase on-task behavior, or social interactions) and to teach new skills (e.g., life skills, communication skills, or social skills);
- To maintain behaviors (e.g., self control and self monitoring procedures to maintain and generalize job-related social skills);
- To generalize or to transfer behavior from one situation or response to another (e.g., from completing assignments in the resource room to performing as well in the mainstream classroom);
- To restrict or narrow conditions under which interfering behaviors occur (e.g., modifying the learning environment); and
- To reduce interfering behaviors (e.g., self injury or stereotypy).
(From ASAT website)