Re:Is ABA "Scientifically Proven?"

[Guest guest]

I believe that there are 2 seperate arguements here (1) does behavior analysis

lead to the acquistion of skills in children with autism and (2) does behavior

analysis promote recovery. As to the first, the answer is clearly yes. Behavior

Analysis has demonstrated in hundreds of studies that it can help children to

acquire skills and can promote things like communication, self-help, social

skills, and effective problem solving. So to the first behavior analysis is

clearly scientifically established.

Unfortunately, it is the second issue that is the one that behavior analysts

have been drawn into battle over. The idea of recovery is a mixed bag. Most of

the studies in this area are not randomized control designs. In addition, the

measure always seems to be IQ scores (even from people who state that autism and

retardation are not the same). Sadly, the data in this area is mixed at best.

Most behavior analysts don't work at places where controlled clinical trials are

done. At JEIBI, we have tried over the years to elicit and publish effectiveness

data but even there the data has not been very forthcoming. I make an effort to

envite 3-4 people each year to send us stuff. They always say yes, and we never

receive it. Effectiveness studies are different from efficacy studies in that

they often will use the measure (divided by the standard error of the measure)

as a method to quantify change. Such program evaluation studies are actually

what APA has been calling for with

most of the " empirically validated treatments. " The point being can this work

in the real world. I did a study like this with emotionally disturbed children:

ph Cautilli, M.Ed., M.Ed., BCBA, LPC, Nadine Harrington, M.S.W., L.S.W.,

Emma Vila Gillam, M.A., Denning, M.A., Ileana Helwig, M.S,

Ettingoff, Ph.D., Valdes & Angert, D.O. (2004): Do Children with

Multiple Patterns of Problem Behavior Improve: The Effectiveness of an Intensive

Bio-Behaviorally Oriented School-Based Behavioral Health Program? - JEIBI 1 (1),

Pg. 75 www.behavior-analyst-online.org

If you have some program evaluation data, please feel free to send it to us at

JEIBI. I believe it will make an impact especially if it offers ways to measure

autism and quality control treatment interventions, so that they have high

treatment integrity.

Joe

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I believe that there are 2 seperate arguements here (1) does behavior analysis

lead to the acquistion of skills in children with autism and (2) does behavior

analysis promote recovery. As to the first, the answer is clearly yes. Behavior

Analysis has demonstrated in hundreds of studies that it can help children to

acquire skills and can promote things like communication, self-help, social

skills, and effective problem solving. So to the first behavior analysis is

clearly scientifically established.

Unfortunately, it is the second issue that is the one that behavior analysts

have been drawn into battle over. The idea of recovery is a mixed bag. Most of

the studies in this area are not randomized control designs. In addition, the

measure always seems to be IQ scores (even from people who state that autism and

retardation are not the same). Sadly, the data in this area is mixed at best.

Most behavior analysts don't work at places where controlled clinical trials are

done. At JEIBI, we have tried over the years to elicit and publish effectiveness

data but even there the data has not been very forthcoming. I make an effort to

envite 3-4 people each year to send us stuff. They always say yes, and we never

receive it. Effectiveness studies are different from efficacy studies in that

they often will use the measure (divided by the standard error of the measure)

as a method to quantify change. Such program evaluation studies are actually

what APA has been calling for with

most of the " empirically validated treatments. " The point being can this work

in the real world. I did a study like this with emotionally disturbed children:

ph Cautilli, M.Ed., M.Ed., BCBA, LPC, Nadine Harrington, M.S.W., L.S.W.,

Emma Vila Gillam, M.A., Denning, M.A., Ileana Helwig, M.S,

Ettingoff, Ph.D., Valdes & Angert, D.O. (2004): Do Children with

Multiple Patterns of Problem Behavior Improve: The Effectiveness of an Intensive

Bio-Behaviorally Oriented School-Based Behavioral Health Program? - JEIBI 1 (1),

Pg. 75 www.behavior-analyst-online.org

If you have some program evaluation data, please feel free to send it to us at

JEIBI. I believe it will make an impact especially if it offers ways to measure

autism and quality control treatment interventions, so that they have high

treatment integrity.

Joe

__________________________________________________