Paper: Change in autism core symptoms with (ABA) intervention.

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Howdy,

This is a paper which I thought might be interesting because it directly

addresses the often-heard critique that behavior analytic interventions do not

affect the core deficits as measured by the ADOS. This measure was used and the

post-intervention outcomes after 1 year are rather interesting (see abstract and

full article).

Regina F.

Zachor, D.A., Ben-Itzchak, D., Rabinovich, A., Lahat, E. (2007). Change in

autism core symptoms with intervention. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders,

1, 304-317

FULL TEXT: http://www.eitaneldar.com/docs/zachor.pdf

ABSTRACT:

It is still debated what is the best early intervention approach for autism.

This study compared two intervention approaches, Eclectic-Developmental (ED) and

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) in very young children with autism/autism

spectrum disorder (ASD). Nineteen children received ED intervention, using

combination of methods. Twenty children received Applied Behavioral Analysis

(ABA) intervention which used behavioral principles. Children in both groups

were not significantly different in their autism severity, cognitive abilities

and in socio-economic background at pre-intervention time. Change in the

severity of autism symptoms was assessed by the Autism Diagnosis Observation

Schedule (ADOS).

The ABA group showed significantly greater improvements than the ED group at

post-intervention time. Pre–post intervention differences in language and

communication domain were significant only for the ABA group. Both groups showed

significant improvement in reciprocal social interaction domain. However, the

effect size was greater for the ABA group. Changes in diagnostic classification

were noted in both groups but were more pronounced for the ABA group.

Pre-treatment IQ scores were positively related to ADOS scores at pre- and

post-intervention times, but not to progress over time.

Behavioral intervention is more effective than eclectic approach in improving

autism core symptoms in young children with autism