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Assessing If a Diagnosis is Necessary: Clinical Utility of an Autism Diagnosis Across the Lifespan
Family members of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often have mixed feelings about labeling their loved ones with the term autism as this represents a life-long disability. They may be concerned about stigma, fearing that others will avoid, judge, or exclude their family member with...
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Is Play Therapy an Evidenced-Based Intervention for Children with Autism?
As a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), I work with families that have a child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and periodically see an increased interest in specific interventions. Multiple families start asking me whether a specific intervention is as effective as they are...
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The Use of Technology as an Evidence-Based Practice
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are characterized by difficulties in social communication and the presence of repetitive behaviors and restricted interests (American Psychological Association, 2013). In addition, individuals with ASD often exhibit challenging behaviors, such as...
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So Your Child Was Diagnosed with ASD: What Comes Next?
Receiving an ASD diagnosis for a child may be accompanied by a variety of reactions. For many parents and caregivers, the diagnosis may confirm what they had suspected. For others, it may come as a shock. Parents commonly note whether they had expected an ASD diagnosis or not, they often hoped they...
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Benefits of Video Consultation for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and those supporting them are utilizing technological innovations more than ever before through the use of portable electronic devices in the form of tablets, smart phones, and laptops. These devices are used to assist communication needs as well as to...
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Applied Behavior Analysis as an Intervention for Individuals with Autism: Reflections on 35 years of Evolution
It is difficult to find the words that best describe the evolution of autism treatment over the past 35 years. The science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) has changed substantially over the last 35 years. In 1980, autism was considered to be a low incidence disorder that was not as well...
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Social Interventions: The Importance of Considering Program Design and Instructional Methods
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are categorized by deficits in social interaction and communication (Jordan & Powell, 1995). With scaffolded supports and structured practice in natural settings, individuals diagnosed with ASD can learn to build the critical skills necessary to engage...
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Addressing Skill Deficits in Students with High Functioning Autism (HFA) as a Proactive Approach to Prevent Behavioral Challenges
Students with high functioning autism (HFA) typically display cognitive abilities in the average to above average range, and some superior range; therefore often participate in general education classes. While these students have many strengths, specific educational approaches are often needed to...
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Naturalistic Intervention in Classrooms: A Look at Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching
Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching, or CPRT, is a naturalistic behavioral intervention designed for classrooms serving students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). CPRT was created by modifying an evidence-based practice called Pivotal Response Training (PRT), which strives to improve learning in...
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B.F. Skinner’s iPhone: The Era of Technology-Enabled Clinicians
B.F. Skinner was an American humanist, philosopher, behavioral scientist, author, and inventor. In his latter capacity, Skinner had a keen interest in the education of children. In fact, in a notable quote that captures his personal philosophy he suggested that: “It has always been the task of...
