Autism Therapies

Question 1

What is ABA based on?

Answer 1

The ABC Model (all behaviours have triggers and consequences)

Question 2

How does ABA work?

Answer 2

Through operant conditioning - complex skills are broken down into smaller steps which create a hierarchy (good behaviours are rewarded)

Question 3

What happens to unacceptable behaviours in ABA?

Answer 3

They’re ignored and given no reinforcement

Question 4

What is discrete trial training in ABA?

Answer 4

Teaches skills, communication etc.

Question 5

How does ABA account for individual differences?

Answer 5

Because it’s individually tailored so it’s more effective for the child

Question 6

Give 2 pieces of supporting evidence for ABA

Answer 6

• Lovaas - 47% achieved normal educational functioning compared to 2% in the control group
• Can involve parents so they’re helping and continuing training outside of sessions

Question 7

Give 2 pieces of conflicting evidence for ABA

Answer 7

• Warren et al - reviewed studies of ABA. 13 good vs 90 poor

- Only shows benefits for a short period of time

Question 8

How is ABA socially controlling?

Answer 8

Because the child’s behaviour is being changed against their will

Question 9

What is the problem with prompting in ABA?

Answer 9

Behaviour may not always be shown outside of sessions

Question 10

Why might extinction be a problem in ABA?

Answer 10

Because once the rewards stop this may occur - not long term so not useful

Question 11

Why might discrimination be a problem in ABA?

Answer 11

Because behaviours can’t be generalised so may only work in one scenario - less useful

Question 12

What does CBT treat in children with autism?

Answer 12

Anxiety

Question 13

How does CBT work?

Answer 13

New skills are learnt to help when in anxious situations - alters thought processes

Question 14

How is CBT adapted for children with autism?

Answer 14

Focuses on social coaching and teaching thought skills

Question 15

Give 2 pieces of supporting evidence for CBT

Answer 15

• Wood - 78.% improvement in anxiety after 16 CBT sessions

- Sofronoff - children experienced less anxiety after CBT (parental self report)

Question 16

How is CBT individually based?

Answer 16

Focuses on anxiety so more useful

Question 17

Is CBT effective in the long term?

Answer 17

Yes therefore its skills are useful

Question 18

Is CBT socially controlling?

Answer 18

To an extent as it changes their natural behaviours

Question 19

Why is CBT difficult for autistic children?

Answer 19

Because it has a verbal nature in which they struggle to communicate

Question 20

How can CBT be adapted for other behaviours?

Answer 20

Alters thought processes so can be adapted to change any thought process

Question 21

Give 2 similarities and 2 differences between CBT and ABA

Answer 21

• Both individually based
• Both learn skills to alter behaviours
• CBT only focuses on anxiety rather than behaviours associated with autism
• ABA is more socially controlling as it changes behaviours rather than finding a solution in dealing with them