The Contributions of Applied Behavior Analysis to the Education of People with Autism

Abstract

Among the numerous treatments available for helping to educate people with autism, applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the best empirically evaluated, as many articles in this dual-volume special issue document. Unfortunately, the best supported treatments are not always the best disseminated or accepted. Recently, however, ABA has emerged with widespread recognition beyond the limited community of academic and behavioral psychologists and special educators. In fact, ABA has been recognized by the surgeon general of the United States as the treatment of choice for autism in his mental health report for children: "Thirty years of research demonstrated the efficacy of applied behavioral methods in reducing inappropriate behavior and in increasing communication, learning, and appropriate social behavior" (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999). Corroborating the surgeon general's recommendation are state governments in New York (Department of Health, 1999) and California (Collaborative Work Group on Autistic Spectrum Disorders, 1997), as well as a collaborative group in Maine (MADSEC Autism Taskforce, 1999). New York and Maine reference the unparalleled quantity of outcome research supporting behavior analytic instruction and its best-practice features (see Jacobson, 2000). Beyond governmental organizations, the popular media has begun to recognize and educate the public about ABA treatment for autism. For example, ABC broadcast a Nightline episode endorsing ABA early intervention for children with autism 671

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“…There is evidence-based research indicating that ABA allows children diagnosed with autism to improve their functioning at home and at school (Rosenwasser &Axelrod, 2001;Lindgren & Doobay, 2011;Kornacki, Ringdahl, Gianoumis, Sjostro, & Nuernberger, 2013). Inclusive elementary schools emphasize promoting children in inclusion in both academic and social areas.…”

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“…General Counter‐Argument : Behavioral professionals can respond to this argument with a variety of responses emphasizing (a) the social validity of ABA approaches (Foxx, 2008; Wolf, 1978); (b) the range of adaptive and social skills taught with ABA (Foxx, 2008; Rosenwasser & Axelrod, 2001); (c) the profit that supporters of AltTs make propagating this argument (Foxx, 2008; Smith, 2005); (d) the individualization of programs in ABA (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007; Foxx, 2008; Rosenwasser & Axelrod, 2001); or (e) offer training to educate others about the science of ABA.…”

“…The buffet approach erroneously reassures parents and professionals that by using various treatment elements the person with an ASD receives a comprehensive and effective treatment package (Foxx, 2008; Howard et al, 2005; Smith, 2005). An abundance of research already demonstrates that ABA remains the most consistently effective approach for the treatment of ASDs (Foxx, 2008; Green, 2007; Rosenwasser & Axelrod, 2001; Richdale & Schreck, 2008; Wolfe & Neisworth, 2005).…”

“…When seeking appropriate treatment for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) professionals have a wide variety of options to choose from, including both validated and unvalidated treatments. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has been extensively documented by researchers (Foxx, 2008; National Autism Center, 2009; Rosenwasser & Axelrod, 2001; Wolfe & Neisworth, 2005), national and state governments (National Institutes of Health, 1991; New York State Department of Health, 1999), and the US Surgeon General (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1999) as the gold standard and most empirically validated of treatments for ASDs. Foxx (2008) reported that over 1000 scientific and peer‐reviewed journal articles have shown successful outcomes for ASD using ABA technology.…”

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“…Comportamento Aplicada (Rosenwasser & Axelrod, 2001). No entanto, o ABA enfatiza os processos cognitivos.…”