Taken from:
Intensive Behavioral and Educational Intervention
Programs
The three basic elements of intensive behavioral
and educational intervention programs include:
- systematic use of behavioral teaching
techniques and intervention procedures
- intensive direct instruction by the
therapist, usually on a one-to-one basis
- extensive parent training and support so
that parents can provide additional hours of intervention
|
Evidence Ratings:
[A] = Strong [B] = Moderate [C] = Limited
[D1] = Opinion/No evidence meeting criteria [D2] = Literature not
reviewed |
Recommendations
Using principles of applied behavioral
analysis for interventions
- It is recommended that principles of applied
behavior analysis (ABA) and behavior intervention strategies be included as
an important element of any intervention program for young children with
autism. [A]
Frequency, intensity, and duration of
intervention
- It is recommended that intensive behavioral
programs include as a
minimum approximately
20 hours per week of
individualized behavioral intervention using applied behavioral analysis
techniques (not including time spent by parents). [A]
- It is recommended that the precise number of
hours of behavioral intervention vary depending on a variety of child and
family characteristics. Considerations in determining the frequency and
intensity of intervention include age, severity of autistic symptoms, rate
of progress, other health considerations, tolerance of the child for the
intervention, and family participation. [A]
- In deciding upon the frequency and intensity
of a behavioral intervention, it is important to recognize that:
- In the studies reviewed, effective
interventions based on ABA techniques used between 18 and 40 hours per
week of intensive behavioral intervention by a therapist trained in this
method.
- Based on the available scientific
evidence, it is not possible to accurately predict the optimal number of
hours that will be effective for any given child. [A]
- It is recommended that the number of hours
of intensive behavioral intervention be periodically reviewed and revised.
Monitoring the child's progress may lead to a conclusion that hours need to
be increased or decreased. [A]
- It is important to consider revising the
intervention plan when the child shows either significant improvement
or a lack of improvement. [A]
To see the full text click below:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/community/infants_children/early_intervention/autism/ch4_pt2.htm