Mod 13 Separating Fact From Fiction (Herbert et al.)

Question 1

Why, according to the authors, is it often difficult to identify effective treatments for autism?

(Select all that apply)

People with autism sometimes show apparently spontaneous developmental gains or symptom improvement for unidentified reasons.
There are no effective treatments available.
There is a great deal of variability in response to treatments.
The severity of autism can vary considerably among individuals.

Answer 1

People with autism sometimes show apparently spontaneous developmental gains or symptom improvement for unidentified reasons.
There is a great deal of variability in response to treatments.
The severity of autism can vary considerably among individuals.

Question 2

According to the authors, what are the features of pseudoscience that distinguish it from science?

(Select all that apply)

Pseudoscientific claims rely on anecdotal evidence and testimonials rather than controlled studies.
Pseudoscience claims treatments are effective when they actually lack empirical support.
Pseudoscientific claims are often exaggerated and based on implausible theories.
Pseudoscientific claims are not reported in scientific journals; they are often made on the internet.

Answer 2

all of the above

Question 3

Scientific evidence supports which claims as the cause of autism?

problems in mother-child relations
MMR vaccinations
yeast infections
none of these

Answer 3

none of these

Question 4

Which of the following treatments are well supported by scientific data?

sensory integration therapy
facilitated communication
holding therapy
none of these
gluten and casein-free diets

Answer 4

none of these

Question 5

How many treatments currently meet the criteria established by the American Psychological Association’s Committee on Science and Practice as an empirically supported treatment for autism?

2
0
5
1

Answer 5

0

Question 6

Comprehensive behavioral programs are based on:

(Select all that apply)

sound theories
anecdotal case studies
varying degrees of sound research
theories of the etiology of autism

Answer 6

sound theories
varying degrees of sound research

Question 7

Although the intensive one-on-one interventions of applied behavior analysis show clear promise as a treatment for autism, what precludes iron-clad claims of effectiveness, “cure” and “recovery”?

Previous studies have not evaluated treatments.
Previous studies have been based on theories that cannot be investigated.
Previous studies have methodological weaknesses.
Previous studies have inconclusive outcomes.

Answer 7

Previous studies have methodological weaknesses.

Question 8

Which of the following treatment programs draw on behavioral learning principles but have less controlled research?

(Select all that apply)

Project TEACCH
the LEAP program
the Denver Health Sciences Program
sensory integration therapy

Answer 8

Project TEACCH
the LEAP program
the Denver Health Sciences Program

Question 9

Pharmacological treatments effective in reducing symptoms have also shown undesirable side effects, which include:

(Select all that apply)

seizures, weight gain, constipation, and sedation from SSRIs
dyskinesias after long-term administration of Haldol
Children respond less well to SSRIs than do adolescents and adults.
increased hyperactivity and aggression following treatment with Valium

Answer 9

all of the above

Question 10

When both parents and professionals are exploring the range of treatment options available for autism, the authors suggest maintaining an attitude of healthy skepticism for which of the following reasons?

(Select all that apply)

-If something sounds too good to be true, it often is.
-Time and money spent on ineffective treatment is unavailable for effective treatment.
-The treatments may be harmful in and of themselves.
-Consumers can be easily misled and given false hope.

Answer 10

all of the above