Supporting parents in reducing challenging behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requires the identification of effective, feasible, and sustainable interventions. Functional ...communication training (FCT) is one of the most well-established interventions in the behavioral literature and is used increasingly by parents. However, there is a need for additional evaluation of the literature related to parent-implemented FCT. In the present review, we identified 26 peer-reviewed studies on parent-implemented FCT. We conducted systematic descriptive and social validity analyses to summarize the extant literature. Across studies, parent-implemented FCT was effective in reducing child challenging behavior, and in some cases, intervention outcomes maintained and generalized to novel settings and implementers. However, few studies reported fidelity data on parent implementation of FCT, and data regarding sustained use of FCT by parents were limited. Results of the social validity analysis indicate that while FCT is often implemented by natural change agents in typical settings, parent training is often provided by professionals not typically accessible to parents. These findings suggest that future research is warranted in the areas of parent training and long-term sustainability of parent-implemented FCT.
The purpose of these two volume special issues on the use of telehealth in behavioral assessment and intervention is to share research that advances our understanding of the utility of telehealth in ...behavioral education and considerations for use. Eleven articles spanning synthesis, single-case deigns, group experimental designs and case studies illustrate the growth in the application of telehealth to behavioral assessment and intervention across educational settings and providers. These eleven articles highlight the potential benefit of telehealth in providing access to high-quality behavioral assessment and intervention across home, school and center-based contexts.
Many individuals with autism cannot speak or cannot speak intelligibly. A variety of aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) approaches have been investigated. Most of the research on ...these approaches has been single-case research, with small numbers of participants. The purpose of this investigation was to meta-analyze the single case research on the use of aided AAC with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Twenty-four single-case studies were analyzed via an effect size measure, the Improvement Rate Difference (IRD). Three research questions were investigated concerning the overall impact of AAC interventions on targeted behavioral outcomes, effects of AAC interventions on individual targeted behavioral outcomes, and effects of three types of AAC interventions. Results indicated that, overall, aided AAC interventions had large effects on targeted behavioral outcomes in individuals with ASD. AAC interventions had positive effects on all of the targeted behavioral outcome; however, effects were greater for communication skills than other categories of skills. Effects of the Picture Exchange Communication System and speech-generating devices were larger than those for other picture-based systems, though picture-based systems did have small effects.
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is on the rise. In addition to the social communication skill deficits and restrictive repetitive behaviors and interests, many individuals with ASD ...engage in challenging behavior. Challenging behavior is associated with a multitude of negative outcomes. Challenging behavior may cause harm to the individual with ASD as well as limit opportunities for educational, vocational, and social participation and development. In addition, caregivers experience high stress and low quality of mental health. As a result, challenging behavior warrants intervention that is specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of individuals with ASD. The purpose of this Special Issue is to showcase recent research in the treatment of challenging behavior for individuals with ASD. This two-part Special Issue contains 12 studies that range from systematic and quality reviews of the intervention literature, to innovative treatment approaches, to studies that develop and evaluate treatments for restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interests.
We investigated the effects of a telehealth pyramidal training package on participants’ implementation of incidental teaching. A total of eight adults worked with eight children with autism. Coaches ...were first taught to implement incidental teaching and then taught subsequent interventionists. The training package consisted of an online module and delayed video-based feedback provided via videoconferencing. Following the telehealth training program, coaches and interventionists reached the preset performance criteria and implemented incidental teaching with high fidelity. All of the child participants increased mands above baseline levels. Results suggest that interventionists can be trained via telehealth in behavior analytic interventions.
There is growing support for the use of trial-based functional analysis (TBFA) in applied settings. The purpose of the present study was to assess the accuracy and social validity of ...parent-implemented TBFAs. The participants were three young children (ages 3–7 years old) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their mothers. Each mother implemented the TBFA with coaching from a behavior consultant. Following the TBFA, parent-implemented function-based interventions were evaluated using a multiple-probe across parent–child dyads design. Child challenging behavior decreased and communication increased following the implementation of the function-based intervention. TBFAs required approximately 5 to 7 hr of consultant time, and each mother rated the TBFA as socially valid. The results of this study indicate parent-implemented TBFAs may be an accurate and socially valid method to evaluate the function of challenging behavior in homes. The discussion includes implications for practice and directions for future research.
Young children with intensive behavioral needs are often served by paraprofessionals, who are typically among the least trained and least supported staff in the school. While professional development ...opportunities to address challenging behavior are generally limited for special education teachers, such professional growth opportunities are often completely unavailable for paraprofessionals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a program in which teachers served as coaches for paraprofessionals. Using a multiple-baseline design across paraprofessional-and-child dyads, we evaluated the effects of the teachers-as-coaches program on paraprofessional implementation fidelity and child engagement in challenging behavior and appropriate communication. The results showed that with teacher coaching, paraprofessionals increased their behavior intervention implementation fidelity to 100%. During the maintenance probes, two of the paraprofessionals implemented the intervention with 100% fidelity, and the third paraprofessional implemented the intervention with higher fidelity than baseline. Results also showed corresponding decreases in child challenging behavior and increases in appropriate communication. Implications for research and practice in supporting paraprofessionals are discussed.
► Activity schedules decrease challenging behavior of children with autism. ► Effective regardless of form and intended purpose. ► Variation in effectiveness across settings, diagnosis, and ...communication abilities.
We reviewed studies implementing activity schedules to decrease challenging behavior of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Systematic searches of electronic databases, journals, and reference lists identified 18 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were evaluated in terms of the effectiveness of activity schedules to decrease challenging behavior on the basis of forms and purposes of activity schedules, various settings in which the activity schedule was applied, severity of ASD diagnosis, and communication abilities of the participants. Activity schedules were implemented to decrease challenging behavior in 43 participants aged three to 18 years. Activity schedules included photographs, line drawings, and videos intending to promote self-regulation, independence, transitions, or play skills. Regardless of the form and intended purpose of the activity schedule, they proved effective in reducing challenging behavior in each of the reviewed studies. There was some variation in effectiveness of the activity schedules across settings, severity of ASD diagnosis, and communication abilities. Included studies are summarized and evaluated in terms of effectiveness across the aforementioned variables. Implications and suggestions for future research on the use of activity schedules to decrease challenging behavior are discussed.
Background: Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders are not always provided the quality of medical care they deserve. Medical personnel report limited preparation and education in caring for ...patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Aim: The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the research on medical personnel training programs, identify effective training methods, and provide directions for future application and research.
Methods: Thirty-four studies met inclusion criteria. The studies were summarized in terms of training components, the medical personnel trained, and the effectiveness of the training in achieving target outcomes.
Results: Seventy-nine percent of studies demonstrated improvement in target outcomes. A variety of training components were used in combination throughout the studies, demonstrating a possibility of significant change to medical personnel's abilities for and attitudes about working with patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Conclusion: Further research is needed to determine specifically which types of training can affect which target outcomes.
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DOBA, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VSZLJ