Location

Philadelphia, PA

Start Date

8-5-2019 1:00 PM

End Date

8-5-2019 4:00 PM

Description

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, social communication, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, and interest or activities. As of 2013, ASD is no longer an individual entity but rather an umbrella term encompassing other distinctive developmental disorders. Signs and symptoms of ASD can appear anywhere from birth to three years of life. Various behavioral modalities exist for the treatment of ASD, which is considered to be the gold standard of care. One of the newest behavioral modalities is applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. The general purpose of ABA therapy is the application of techniques aimed at modifying behavior of social importance. In this context, it aims at establishing the link between particular behaviors and the environment, as opposed to solely modifying behavior. This is typically achieved through offering rewards for positive behavior and developing socially conventional substitutions for atypical behavior. The general consensus regarding the efficacy of ABA therapy in autistic youth is positive, particularly from the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, critics of the modality exist within the autistic community, with the majority of disparagement being rooted in an alleged link between ABA therapy and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as depression. Despite these denunciations, the overwhelming majority of behavioral researchers have found that ABA therapy is not only a legitimate form of behavioral therapy for autistic youth, but that those who receive early and intensive behavioral treatment have been shown to make extensive and prolonged gains in language, academic performance & adaptive ability.

Embargo Period

5-28-2019

COinS
 
May 8th, 1:00 PM May 8th, 4:00 PM

The Efficacy of Applied Behavior Analysis on the Quality of Critical Life Skills in Autistic Youth

Philadelphia, PA

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, social communication, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, and interest or activities. As of 2013, ASD is no longer an individual entity but rather an umbrella term encompassing other distinctive developmental disorders. Signs and symptoms of ASD can appear anywhere from birth to three years of life. Various behavioral modalities exist for the treatment of ASD, which is considered to be the gold standard of care. One of the newest behavioral modalities is applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. The general purpose of ABA therapy is the application of techniques aimed at modifying behavior of social importance. In this context, it aims at establishing the link between particular behaviors and the environment, as opposed to solely modifying behavior. This is typically achieved through offering rewards for positive behavior and developing socially conventional substitutions for atypical behavior. The general consensus regarding the efficacy of ABA therapy in autistic youth is positive, particularly from the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, critics of the modality exist within the autistic community, with the majority of disparagement being rooted in an alleged link between ABA therapy and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as depression. Despite these denunciations, the overwhelming majority of behavioral researchers have found that ABA therapy is not only a legitimate form of behavioral therapy for autistic youth, but that those who receive early and intensive behavioral treatment have been shown to make extensive and prolonged gains in language, academic performance & adaptive ability.