Intervention Flashcards
What are evidence-based interventions?
Interventions that meet specific methodological criteria and have demonstrated efficacy through rigorous research.
What is a randomized control trial (RCT)?
A study design that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to measure the effectiveness of an intervention.
List the 5 methodological criteria for evidence-based research.
- Group design (RCT)
- Independent variables operationalized
- Population operationalized
- Reliable/valid outcome assessments
- Appropriate analysis with sufficient power
What constitutes Level 1 evidence in intervention efficacy?
Well-established treatments that have been proven effective through multiple rigorous studies.
Define Level 2 interventions.
Probably efficacious interventions supported by at least two good experiments.
What characterizes a Level 3 intervention?
Possibly efficacious interventions superior to a waitlist control, validated by more than one study from different teams.
True or False: Level 4 interventions are considered established treatments.
False
What are the characteristics of Level 5 interventions?
Questionably efficacious, with at least three clinical studies showing efficacy, often based on small or case studies.
What is the challenge of establishing evidence-based interventions?
The need for solid research design and the availability of diverse therapies that may lack evidence.
What is the significance of early intervention in autism treatment?
Early intervention is believed to be more effective due to brain plasticity and the potential for adaptation.
What is the developmental cascade model?
A concept suggesting that early skills provide a foundation for the development of additional skills.
Fill in the blank: Brain ________ refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself.
plasticity
What are susceptibility genes?
Genes that increase the likelihood of developing autism when combined with environmental factors.
What is epigenetics in the context of autism?
The study of how environmental factors can turn genes on or off, affecting brain development.
True or False: Later interventions are ineffective.
False
What are the three categories of interventions?
- Comprehensive Treatment Programs
- Focal Interventions
- Alternative or Experimental Treatments
What is Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)?
A behavioral intervention rooted in principles of operant conditioning, used to improve various skills in individuals with autism.
What are some examples of focal interventions?
- Language interventions
- Interventions for behavior/sensory issues
- Social Skills interventions
- Interventions for mental health
What are alternative treatments?
Therapies that lack solid evidence and are often based on anecdotal reports.
What is chelation therapy?
An alternative treatment aimed at removing heavy metals from the body, controversially linked to autism treatment.
What is the risk associated with rebirthing therapy?
It has been linked to dangerous practices, including suffocation.
What are some potential harms of unproven therapies?
- Time taken away from effective therapies
- Financial strain on families
- Loss of hope and discouragement
What is the role of the Autism Research Institute?
To provide information and research on autism treatments and therapies.
List some emerging treatments for autism.
- Stem cell therapies
- Medical marijuana
True or False: Brain plasticity is restricted to childhood.
False
What are the two models mentioned in relation to evidence-based interventions?
Early Start Denver Model and Pivotal Response Training
These models focus on different aspects of intervention for children with ASD.
What is the primary focus of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)?
Reduce problem behaviors through structured intervention techniques
ABA techniques include operant conditioning and teaching learning skills.
Who made the Lovaas Method public and when?
Lovaas in the 1960s
The Lovaas Method was influential in the development of ABA techniques.
What are the ABC components in the ABC behavioral model?
A = Antecedents, B = Behaviors, C = Consequences
This model helps in understanding the factors that sustain or change behaviors.
What key ingredients are involved in discrete trials within ABA?
Distraction-free environment, teaching spontaneous functional skills, breaking down complex behaviors
Techniques like chaining, prompting, and fading are also used.
What is the goal of Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI)?
To provide intensive and directive therapy for children under 5
Typically involves 30-40 hours per week of 1:1 therapy.
What are some criticisms of the traditional Lovaas method?
Intrusiveness, lack of consideration for child’s state, and controversy over effectiveness
Critics argue it may not be developmentally informed.
What is Naturalistic Developmental Behavior Interventions (NDBI)?
Modification of Lovaas focusing on natural environments and developmental strategies
NDBI aims to improve function using developmentally appropriate skills.
What does Pivotal Response Training focus on?
Improving pivotal skills that lead to collateral effects in development
Emphasizes motivation, self-initiation, and social engagement.
What age group does the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) target?
Infants and toddlers aged 12-38 months
ESDM emphasizes relationship-based interventions.
True or False: ESDM is less invasive and more child-led compared to traditional Lovaas methods.
True
The ESDM approach focuses on naturalistic settings and child interests.
What is the approach of Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?
Identifying triggers and maintaining factors of behavior
FBA uses an ABC model to analyze behavior patterns.
What is the goal of Positive Behavioral Support (PBS)?
Decrease problematic behavior by making desired behavior more likely
PBS focuses on proactive strategies rather than reactive ones.
Fill in the blank: The ________ model emphasizes the use of natural reinforcers in interventions.
Naturalistic Developmental Behavior Interventions
NDBIs integrate behavioral learning with developmental science.
What are the primary areas of focus in pivotal response training?
- Motivation
- Responsivity to multiple cues
- Self-initiation
- Empathy
These areas are crucial for developing other complex skills.
What is one potential drawback of Early Intensive Behavior Intervention?
It is extremely costly and can create stress on families
Some studies indicate it may not improve outcomes for all children.
What do social scripts aim to provide for children with ASD?
Guidance on social interactions
Scripts can help children navigate social situations more effectively.
What is the purpose of a Functional Communication Training?
To teach alternative communication methods to replace challenging behaviors
It focuses on developing functional communication skills.
What is the role of parents in Pivotal Response Training?
Primary intervention agents with teachers providing supplemental therapy
Parents are actively involved in the intervention process.
What do Social Stories aim to achieve?
Clarify problematic situations for children
They help children understand and prepare for social scenarios.
What is the first step in preventive strategies for crisis response?
Removing things from the situation
This is followed by removing people and eventually the child themselves.
What is the last resort in crisis intervention?
Restraint of the child
Restraint should only be performed by specially trained individuals.
What should be done if a child is not restrained and becomes out of control?
Ignore lower level problem behaviour
Early intervention is key to prevent escalation.
What type of interventions are rooted in behavioral procedures?
Evidence-based interventions
These include interventions based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
What are some types of evidence-based interventions?
- Language interventions
- Interventions for behavior/sensory issues
- Social skills interventions
- Interventions for mental health
- Comprehensive treatment programs
Comprehensive treatment programs are supported by research, such as Odom 2010.
What is the funding level for Low Incidence Designation, Level II in BC Schools?
Approximately $18,000 per year
This supports individual students with specific needs.
What is an IEP?
Individual Education Plan
Designed specifically for students with their unique needs in mind.
Who coordinates discussions and problem-solving for IEPs?
Integration Support/Case Manager
Ensures the IEP is up to date.
What are Itinerant Services in special education?
Services provided by specialists such as DEB, OC, SLP, and physiotherapists
They support educational assistants in inclusive settings.
What is the purpose of outreach programs like POPARD?
To address behavioral problems
However, they are not specifically for children with ASD.
What is the goal for teachers in supporting children with ASD?
To help the child access all aspects of their educational program within an inclusive school setting
This involves participation in case management and delivery of specific curriculum.
What are some strategies for improving social functioning in the classroom?
- Carefully selected peers in small groups
- Programs or clubs that mirror student interests
These create natural social environments.
What are some community supports for children with social skills difficulties?
- Social skills groups
- Psychotherapies (individual, family)
- Informal groups and activities
Examples include organizations like LDA and Monarch House.
What are the ‘big 6’ suggestions for communication in school contexts?
- Avoid sarcasm and abstract speech
- Use concrete language
- Use visual supports
- Check for understanding
- Verbal scripts
- Be aware of pragmatics
These strategies enhance effective communication.
What should be done with restricted and repetitive behaviors?
Allow them unless they are disruptive or dangerous
Encourage passions and build interests around them.
What is a key strategy for managing sensory needs in the classroom?
Create a sensory smart classroom
This involves reducing sensory overload and providing sensory tools.
What is the importance of visual schedules in the classroom?
They reduce anxiety and provide structure
Visual schedules can be individual or class-wide.
Fill in the blank: The transition to adult services is managed by _______.
CLBC – Personalized Supports Initiative
This initiative provides adaptive supports for individuals under 55.
True or False: All children in the school system will have full-time educational assistants.
False
Schools cluster children together with educational assistants.
