Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is an evidenced-based treatment used in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomology. This treatment modality addresses difficulties individuals with ASD experience, including deficits in social communication, and repetitive and/or restricted behaviors. A variable pattern of developmental milestone acquisition, particularly language, is an early indicator of ASD. Perhaps due to the variability in presentation, the mean age at diagnosis is 4-5 years old despite feasibility of diagnosis as early as 2 years of age. Tracking a child's development is essential for early identification of ASD, with age at diagnosis significantly impacting intervention outcomes in this population. Ideally, individuals with suspected ASD are comprehensively assessed and engaged in intensive early intervention with personalized goals targeting multiple domains of functioning, including cognitive abilities, adaptive functioning, and/or language functioning. Unfortunately, significant barriers (e.g., too few qualified professionals, inaccessible treatment centers, long waitlists) have been identified that preclude access to care for many individuals in need of evaluation and/or treatment. Given the typical delays in identification and the frequent barriers to access, assuring families that the care of their child is of paramount importance and will be met with high quality, evidence-based practices is appropriate. The purpose of the multi-site study was to assess treatment-as-usual across autism intervention centers, drawing archival data from Autism Comprehensive Educational Services (ACES). Results indicated no significant differences in standardized scores of adaptive functioning but significant differences in criterion referenced skills across three time points. Future directions are discussed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc2356121 |
| Date | 07 1900 |
| Creators | Gordon, Amanda |
| Contributors | Callahan, Jennifer, Cicero, David, Kaminski, Patricia |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | Text |
| Rights | Public, Gordon, Amanda, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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