Week 5

Question 1

Lovaas UCLA Young Autism Project (1980s)

Answer 1

• One of the most publicized interventions.
  
  • Used intensive, individualized instruction based on:
    ○ Discrete trial discrimination learning
    ○ Compliance with simple demands
  • Issues: Problems with research methodology.

Question 2

Highly effective ASD interventions

Answer 2

• Highly structured & supportive environments
• Predictability & routine in classrooms
• Functional approach to managing problem behaviors
• Smooth transitions (e.g., preschool to kindergarten/first grade)
• Family involvement in treatment

Question 3

What should the school curriculum focus on regarding ASD intervention

Answer 3

1. Selective attention to environmental stimuli
   
   2. Imitative ability (verbal & motor imitation)
   3. Receptive & expressive language skills
   4. Appropriate toy play
   5. Social interaction skills

Question 4

What interventions for ASD lack empirical support?

Answer 4

• Facilitated Communication (FC)
  
  • Providing physical support to help a nonverbal person communicate through letters/pictures.
  • No scientific validity; messages often influenced by facilitators.
• Auditory Integration Training (AIT)
  
  • Aims to adjust sound frequencies for hypersensitivity/hyposensitivity.
  • Lacks empirical evidence.
• Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT)
  
  • Designed to stimulate skin & vestibular system to improve arousal levels.
  • Not proven effective for ASD core symptoms.

Question 5

ASD treatment issues

Answer 5

• Strong advocacy groups for ASD individuals.
  
  • “Everything goes” approach: Parents may seek unproven treatments due to the disorder’s severity.
  • Many children receive ineffective treatments due to lack of empirical support.

Question 6

Considerations for SPs regarding ASD in schools

Answer 6

• Assessment via: Observations, interviews, and direct interactions.
• Myths & misinformation about ASD treatment persist.
• Behavioral interventions (ABA) are most effective.
• Early intervention is crucial!
• Support for families and behavioral training should be provided.

Question 7

Prevalence of ADHD

Answer 7

One of the most common childhood disorders.
Prevalence: ~5% of school-aged children (at least one student per classroom).

Question 8

Core symptoms of ADHD

Answer 8

• Inattention
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity

Question 9

Causes of ADHD

Answer 9

• No single cause of ADHD identified.
  
  • Likely due to multiple factors:
    ○ Biological factors contribute to symptom onset.
    ○ Environmental factors interact with biological predispositions to influence severity.
    ○ Person-environment fit plays a major role.

Question 10

True or False: ADHD is listed as a specific disorder according to IDEA

Answer 10

False

Question 11

What are children with ADHD classified as under IDEA

Answer 11

Other health impairment (OHI)

Question 12

What does Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973) state?

Answer 12

• Schools must accommodate students’ needs even if special education services are not required.
• Civil rights law ensuring equal educational access.

Question 13

What disorders are most commonly comorbid with ADHD?

Answer 13

• ODD
• Common learning problems

Question 14

What disorders are also commonly comorbid with ADHD?

Answer 14

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
   
   2. Tic Disorders (e.g., Tourette’s Syndrome)
   3. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Question 15

Prevalence of Comorbidity of ADHD and ODD

Answer 15

• Occurs in ~50% of children with ADHD (combined type).
  
  • Occurs in ~25% of children with ADHD (inattentive type).

Question 16

Intervention for children with a comorbidity of ADHD and ODD should focus on

Answer 16

○ Behavioral contingency management (reinforcement & consequences)
○ Consistent application across home & school
○ Early intervention is critical