ABA therapy for autism

Question 1

what is aba therapy based on

Answer 1

operant conditioning

Question 2

briefly how is aba therapy done

Answer 2

1:1 basis with therapist
any unacceptable behaviour is ignored and desired behaviour is rewarded

Question 3

discrete trial training aba therapy

Answer 3

• break skill down into smaller steps
• therapist teaches step by step and rewards after each little step and eventually only when final behaviour is done

Question 4

what is the a in abc (aba autism therapy)

Answer 4

antecedent - what goes before the unwanted behaviour

Question 5

what is the b in abc (aba autism therapy)

Answer 5

behaviour - what is the behaviour being changed

Question 6

what is the c in abc (aba autism therapy)

Answer 6

consequence - what does the behaviour produce

Question 7

lovaas supporting evidence for aba therapy for autism and otoh

Answer 7

47% of children who recieved aba therapy achieved normal intellectual and educational functioning compared to the 2% who did that without the therapy

OTOH only 47% not all of them did so less effective

Question 8

cebula supporting evidence for aba therapy for autism

Answer 8

135 families, 35 using aba, 26 had done aba in past and 61 without . evidence of more positive interactions between siblings in aba and parents rated aba as effective supports that aba improved social interactions of autistic people

Question 9

gale supporting evidence for aba therapy for autism and otoh

Answer 9

interviewed and observed 3 children with autism looking at a variety of skills such as acceptance of food, most of the behaviours improved after aba therapy, supports that aba is effective and improved the behaviour of autistic children

OTOH small sample of only 3 so not generalisable

Question 10

warren conflicting evidence for aba therapy for autism

Answer 10

reviewed a variety of 159 studies good,fair and bad quality. early intervention for those under 2 showed promising however overall results were not consistent enough to claim effectiveness

Question 11

how is aba useful for autism

Answer 11

• useful as therapy can be used for a variety of behaviours and tailored to individual
• useful as involves parents and carers so can continue therapy at home

Question 12

how is aba not useful for autism

Answer 12

can’t use for all characteristics e.g. imaginative play

Question 13

how is aba for autism socially controlling

Answer 13

not helping the autistic child just changing their behaviour to fit desired norms