Effective programs for treating autism spectrum disorder

About this book

"Effective Programs for Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder: Applied Behavior Analysis models is written for teachers, parents, and the many service providers who work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Part I reviews the characteristics of ASD, summarizes major theories and research findings regarding cause(s) of ASD, and discusses the most popular treatment claims, examining each approach's scientific base and value. Part II provides an informative overview of applied behavior analysis, focusing on the principles of learning and basic procedures based upon those principles. These two parts provide a foundation for understanding the strategies implemented by the outstanding treatment programs described in Part III." "The eight models described in Part III represent the state-of-the art in terms of comprehensive, evidence-based programs for the treatment of persons with ASD, from infancy through adulthood. Programs reviewed include the Lovaas Institute, Koegel Center, Strategic Teaching and Reinforcement Systems (STARS), Project DATA, New England Children's Center, May Institute, Princeton Child Development Institute, and Judge Rotenberg Center. Strategies explained include intensive early behavioral intervention, Pivotal Response Training, verbal behavior, script fading, social stories, visual activity schedules, functional analysis, the Picture Exchange Communication System, and the Family-Teaching Model. Key features of this unique new book include:" "Multiple Treatment Models-Unlike most books in this field which focus on a single approach to treatment, this one provides an overview and comparison of many successful approaches." "Common Chapter Structure-Each Part III chapter follows a common structure: historical background and program description, distinguishing features, quality control, and research and replication. Program descriptions include definitions, summaries of recent developments, and future trends. References and resources permit further study and examples illustrate application." "Program Descriptions - Each of the centers was personally visited by the authors, who conducted in-depth interviews with founders and/or key personnel." "Evidence-Based Presentations - Summaries of promising research findings on the characteristics and causes of ASD are brought together with cautions about extrapolating from scientific research."--Jacket.