Autism: ABA

Question 1

AO1

Answer 1

Based on the ABC model+ operant conditioning
Bahviours have antecedents that trigger consequences that effect liklihood of it happening again
Focus on ‘socially significant behaviours’
Done as ‘discrete trial training’
(teaching play, communication, daily living skills, food refusal, self injury)
Breaks down complex skills into small steps (hierarchical and structural)
Effective behaviour is shown and rewards given
Rewards and behaviours tailored individually

Question 2

+AO3

Answer 2

Involves parents to feel empowered and allow training outside
Used for a wide range of behaviours
Individually tailored

Question 3

+Lovaas (1987)

Answer 3

47% achieved normal education functioning VS 2% in control group

Question 4

+Cebula (2012)

Answer 4

Looked at 135 families
45 were using ABA
26 done in the past
61 control

Question 5

+Gale (2010)

Answer 5

In 3 child case study 
Food on spoon for 30s in front of child 20x
Regardless of child's response
Acceptance if food increased
Decreased disruptive behaviour

Question 6

-AO3

Answer 6

Need prompting outside of sessions
Benefit is short lived
Rewards stop behaviour goes extinct
May not generalise to other situations
Social control is an issue (changing behaviours against their will- some deem as unacceptable)

Question 7

-Warren et al (2011)

Answer 7

Reviewed studies into ABA
using 159 studies
13 were good quality
56 fair
90 poor
Early intervention (under 2) were promising
Not consistent enough to prove effectiveness