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PGD ABA: EDUABA1 - Autism Spectrum Disorder and Behavioral Intervention

Course Description

During this course, students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the etiology, characteristics, and challenges faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. These challenging issues may relate to sleeping, feeding, toileting or attentional issues that may span across the lifespan, for students who may or may not access inclusive settings. Students will employ highly developed, advanced communication and information technology skills to critique pseudoscientific treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students will critically analyse issues related to the selection and implementation of research-based interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These issues include, but are not limited to: choosing observable and measurable goals; planning for unwanted treatment effects; monitoring client progress and treatment integrity; and collaboration with others who support and provide services. This verified course is one of the required courses designed to meet the coursework requirements for Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification; additional requirements must be met for certification.

Articles

Rao, T. S. S., & Andrade, C. (2011). The MMR vaccine and autism: Sensation, refutation, retraction, and fraud. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 53(2), 95–96. Required website: http://briandeer.com/mmr/lancet-summary.htm

Deer B. (2011). How the case against the MMR vaccine was fixed. BMJ, 342:c5347.

Deer B. (2011). Secrets of the MMR scare. How the vaccine crisis was meant to make money. BMJ, 342:c5258.

Deer B. (2011). Secrets of the MMR scare. The Lancet's two days to bury bad news. BMJ, 342:c7001.

Bruinsma, Y., Koegel, R. L., & Koegel, L. K. (2004). Joint attention and children with autism: A review of the literature. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 10, 169-175.

Doan, D. & Toussaint, K.A. (2016). A parent-oriented approach to rapid toilet training. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, Vol 9(2), 473-486.

Jin, C.S., Hanley, G.P., & Beaulieu, L. (2013). An individualized and comprehensive approach to treating sleep problems in young children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 161-180.

Whalen, C., & Schreibman, L. (2003). Joint attention training for children with autism using behavior modification procedures. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44, 456-468.

Dunlap, G., Kern, L., Worcester, J. (2001). ABA and academic instruction. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. 16(2), 129-136.

Veazey, S. E., Valentino, A. L., Low, A. I., McElroy, A. R., LeBlanc, L. A. (2016). Teaching feminine hygiene skills to young females with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(2), 184-189.

Celeberti, D., Alessandri, M., Fong, & Weiss, M. J. (1993). A history of the behavioral treatment of autism. Focus on Autism, 127-131

Lovaas, O. I., (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology Copyright, 55 (1), 3-9.

Wolery, M., & Barton, E. & Hine, J. (2005). Evolution of applied behavior analysis in the treatment of individuals with autism. Exceptionality, 13, 11-23.

Eldevick, S., Hastings, R.P., Hughes, J.C., Jahr, E., Eikeseth, S., & Cross, S. (2009). Meta-analysis of early intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 38(3), 439-450.

McEachin, J. J., Smith, T., & Lovaas, O. I. (1993). Long-term outcome for children with autism who received early intensive behavioral treatment. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 97(4), 359-372.

Slocum, T. A., Detrich, R., Wilczynski, S. M., Spencer, T. D., Lewis, T., & Wolfe, K. (2014). The evidence-based practice of applied behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst, 37(1), 41–56

Charlop-Christy, M. H., & Carpenter, M. H. (2000). Modified incidental teaching sessions: A procedure for parents to increase spontaneous speech in their children with autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 2, 98-112.

Eikeseth, S., Smith, T., & Eldevik, E. J. (2002). Intensive behavior treatment at school for 4-to-7-year-old children with autism. Behavior Modification, 26, 49-68.

Matson, J. L., & Smith, K. R. M. (2008). Current status of intensive behavioral interventions for young children with autism and PDDNOS. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2(1), 60-74. Reichow, B. (2012).

Brian Reichow, Overview of meta-analyses on early intensive behavioral intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42, 512- 520.

Wong, C., Odom, S. L., Hume, K. A., Cox, C. W., Fettig, A., Kurcharczyk, S., et al. (2015). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(7), 1951-66

Books

 

     

Software and online resources

Autism Society: www.autism-society.org

The National Autism Association: www.nationalautismassociation.org

Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT): www.feat.org Autism Research Institute: www.autism.com

National Autistic Society (NAS): www.nas.org.uk

National Institutes of Mental Health – List of nimh autism info: www.nimh.nih.gov

KidsHealth Search “autism” info for parents, kids and teens: www.kidshealth.org

Patient-Centered Guides: Autism Center: www.patientcenters.com

MDJunction Autism support group: www.mdjunction.com

Autism Blogger: www.autism-blog.com

Developmental Delay Resources (DDR): www.devdelay.org

Autism Aspergers Digest: www.autismdigest.com

Useful Websites

 

ASAT: https://www.asatonline.org/

Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org

Center for Disease Control (CDC)-autism, autism and genetics, autism and vaccinations

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html

NECC-AD: http://www.neccabudhabi.org/english/?page_id=30

https://www.bacb.com/

https://www.abainternational.org/welcome.aspx

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/journals/309

http://briandeer.com/mmr/lancet-summary.htm

https://www.autismmiddleeast.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ABAMiddleEast

https://www.adek.abudhabi.ae/en/pages/default.aspx

https://www.asatonline.org/research-treatment/researchsynopses/joint-attention-training-for-children-with-autism-usingbehavior-modification-procedures/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/resourcesprograms/autism-treatment-network/atn-air-p-toilet-training https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/resourcesprograms/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/sleep-toolkit https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/find-resourcesprograms/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/atn-air-pguide-exploring-feeding-behavior

https://practicalfunctionalassessment.com/presentations/

http://thelovaascenter.com/about-us/dr-ivar-lovaas/

https://www.asatonline.org/for-parents/learn-more-about-specifictreatments/applied-behavior-analysis-aba/abatechniques/uclalovaas-intervention/

Association for Science in Autism Treatment https://www.asatonline.org/for-parents/learn-more-about-specifictreatments/ :

https://www.asatonline.org/for-parents/learn-more-about-specifictreatments/applied-behavior-analysis-aba/abatechniques/description-of-service-providers/

 

Course materials List

week 1

Required reading:

https://www.intechopen.com/books/behavior-analysis/applied-behaviour-analysis-and-autism-science-profession-and-practice
Required websites: ASAT: https://www.asatonline.org/

Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org Center for Disease Control (CDC)-autism, autism and genetics, autism and vaccinations https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html NECC-AD: http://www.neccabudhabi.org/english/?page_id=30
https://www.bacb.com/
https://www.abainternational.org/welcome.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/journals/309/

week 2

Required reading:

Rao, T. S. S., & Andrade, C. (2011). The MMR vaccine and autism: Sensation, refutation, retraction, and fraud. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 53(2), 95–96. Required website: http://briandeer.com/mmr/lancet-summary.htm Psychiatry, 53(2), 95–96.

Required website: http://briandeer.com/mmr/lancet-summary.htm
Recommended readings: 

Deer B. (2011). How the case against the MMR vaccine was fixed. BMJ, 342:c5347.

Deer B. (2011). Secrets of the MMR scare. How the vaccine crisis was meant to make money. BMJ, 342:c5258.

Deer B. (2011). Secrets of the MMR scare. The Lancet's two days to bury bad news. BMJ, 342:c7001.

week 3

Required readings:
Crabtree, S. A. (2007). Family responses to the social inclusion of children with developmental disabilities in the United Arab Emirates. Disability & Society, 22(1), 49-62.

Kelly, M. P., Alireza, I., Busch, H. E., Northrop, S., Al-Attrash, M., Ainsleigh, S., & Bhuptani, N. (2016) An overview of autism and applied behavior analysis in the Gulf Cooperation Council in the Middle East. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental 


Required websites:
https://www.autismmiddleeast.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ABAMiddleEast/
https://www.adek.abudhabi.ae/en/pages/default.aspx

week 4

Required readings:

Bruinsma, Y., Koegel, R. L., & Koegel, L. K. (2004). Joint attention and children with autism: A review of the literature. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 10, 169-175.

Doan, D. & Toussaint, K.A. (2016). A parent-oriented approach to rapid toilet training. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, Vol 9(2), 473-486.

Jin, C.S., Hanley, G.P., & Beaulieu, L. (2013). An individualized and comprehensive approach to treating sleep problems in young children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46, 161-180.

 

Recommended readings:
Whalen, C., & Schreibman, L. (2003). Joint attention training for children with autism using behavior modification procedures. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44, 456-468.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=piazza%2C+cathleen
Recommended websites:
https://www.asatonline.org/research-treatment/research-synopses/joint-attention-training-for-children-with-autism-using-behavior-modification-procedures/
https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/atn-air-p-toilet-training
https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/sleep-tool-kit
https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/find-resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/atn-air-p-guide-exploring-feeding-behavior
https://practicalfunctionalassessment.com/presentations/

 

week 5

Required readings:
Dunlap, G., Kern, L., Worcester, J. (2001). ABA and academic instruction. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. 16(2), 129-136.

McClannahan, L. E., MacDuff, G. S., & Krantz, P. J. (2002). Behavior analysis and intervention for adults with autism. Behavior Modification, 26, 9-26. 

Twyman, J.S., & Heward, W.L. (2018). How to improve student learning in every classroom now. International Journal of Educational Research, 87, 78-90. 

Recommended readings:
Kelly, M.P. Motivating all students in the inclusive classroom to actively respond: An overview of
three practical strategies. In S. Abu-Rmaileh, A. Elsheikh, & S. Al Alami (Eds.), Motivation and
Classroom Management: Theory, Practice, and Implications (pp. 37-48). United Arab Emirates:
TESOL Arabia.
Veazey, S. E., Valentino, A. L., Low, A. I., McElroy, A. R., LeBlanc, L. A. (2016). Teaching feminine hygiene skills to young females with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 9(2), 184-189.

 

week 6

Required readings:
Celeberti, D., Alessandri, M., Fong, & Weiss, M. J. (1993). A history of the behavioral treatment of autism. Focus on Autism, 127-131
Lovaas, O. I., Koegel, R., Simmons, J. Q., & Long, J. S. (1973). Some generalization and follow-up measures on autistic children in behavior therapy. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6(1), 131– 165.
Lovaas, O. I., (1987). Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology Copyright, 55 (1), 3-9.

Recommended websites:
http://thelovaascenter.com/about-us/dr-ivar-lovaas/
https://www.asatonline.org/for-parents/learn-more-about-specific-treatments/applied-behavior-analysis-aba/aba-techniques/uclalovaas-intervention/

Recommended reading:
Sigafoos, J., & Schlosser, R. W. (2008). Editorial: Applied behavior analysis is NOT an autism therapy. Evidence-based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 2(4), 197-198
 

week 7

Required readings:
Eldevick, S., Hastings, R.P., Hughes, J.C., Jahr, E., Eikeseth, S., & Cross, S. (2009). Meta-analysis of early intensive behavioral intervention for children with autism. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 38(3), 439-450.
http://dddc.rutgers.edu/pdf/mceachlin_et_al.pdf
National Autism Center. (2015). Findings and conclusions: National standards project, phase 2. Randolph, MA: Author.
Slocum, T. A., Detrich, R., Wilczynski, S. M., Spencer, T. D., Lewis, T., & Wolfe, K. (2014). The evidence-based practice of applied behavior analysis. The Behavior Analyst, 37(1), 41–56.
Recommended readings:

Charlop-Christy, M. H., & Carpenter, M. H. (2000). Modified incidental teaching sessions: A procedure for parents to increase spontaneous speech in their children with autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 2, 98-112.
Eikeseth, S., Smith, T., & Eldevik, E. J. (2002). Intensive behavior treatment at school for 4-to-7-year-old children with autism. Behavior Modification, 26, 49-68.
Kubina, R.M., & Yurich, K.K.L. (2012). The precision teaching book. Greatness Achieved Publishing Company: Lemot, PA.
Matson, J. L., & Smith, K. R. M. (2008). Current status of intensive behavioral interventions for young children with autism and PDDNOS. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2(1), 60-74. Reichow, B. (2012).
Reichow, B. (2012). Overview of meta-analyses on early intensive behavioral intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42, 512-520.
United States Surgeon General (1998). Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General. Washington, DC: Author.

Wong, C., Odom, S. L., Hume, K. A., Cox, C. W., Fettig, A., Kurcharczyk, S., et al. (2015). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with autism spectrum disorder: A comprehensive review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(7), 1951-66

week 8

Required readings: Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 26. Antecedent interventions
Walsh, M. B. (2011). The top 10 reasons children with autism deserve ABA. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 4(1), 72-79.
Recommended readings:
Ala’i-Rosales, S. & Zeug, N. (2010). Three important things to consider when starting intervention for a child diagnosed with autism. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 3(2), 54-55.
Taylor, B.A. & Fisher, J. (2010). Three important things to consider when starting intervention for a child diagnosed with autism. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 3(2), 52-53.
Vets, T.L., & Green, G. (2010). Three important things to consider when starting intervention for a child diagnosed with autism. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 3(2), 56-57.
Weiss, M.J., & Zane, T. (2010). Three important things to consider when starting intervention for a child diagnosed with autism. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 3(2), 58-60.

week 9

Herbert, J. D., Sharp, I. R., & Gaudiano, B. A. (2002). Separating fact from fiction in the etiology and treatment of autism. The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practices, 1, 25-45.

Koegel, L. K., Koegel, R. L., Frea, W. D., & Fredeen, R. M. (2001). Identifying early intervention targets for children with autism in inclusive school settings. Behavior Modification, 25, 745-761.
Leaf, J.B., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., Taubman, M., Ala'i-Rosales, S., Ross, R.K., Smith, T., Weiss, M.J. (2016). Applied Behavior Analysis is a science and, therefore, progressive. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46, 720-731.

week 10

Required website:
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
https://www.asatonline.org/for-parents/learn-more-about-specific-treatments/ :
Psychological, Educational and Therapeutic Interventions
• What works
• What needs more research
• What doesn't work or is untested
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
https://www.asatonline.org/for-parents/learn-more-about-specific-treatments/ :
Biomedical Interventions
• What works or needs more research
• What doesn’t work or is untested
Required readings:
Brodhead, M. T. (2015). Maintaining professional relationships in an interdisciplinary setting: Strategies for navigating nonbehavioral treatment recommendations for individuals with autism. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 8(1), 70-78.
Howard, J. S., Sparkman, C. R., Cohen, H. G., Green, G., Stanislaw, H. (2005). A comparison of intensive behavior analytic and eclectic treatments for young children with autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 26, 359-383.

 

week 11

Required readings:
Miltenberger, R. (1990). Assessment of treatment acceptability: A review of the literature. Topics in Early Childhood Special E

ducation, 10, 24-38.

Miltenberger, R., Parrish, J., Rickert, V., & Kohr, M. (1989). Assessing treatment acceptability with consumers of outpatient child behavior management services. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 11, 35-44.
Schwartz, I.S., & Baer, D.M., (1991). Social validity assessments: Is current practice state of the art? Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 189-204.
Wolf, M.M. (1978). Social validity: The case for subjective measurement or how applied behavior analysis is finding its heart. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11, 203-214.
Recommended reading:
Dickson, C.A., MacDonald, R.P.F., Mansfield, R. Guilhardi, P., Johnson, C. & Ahearn, W.H. (2013). Social validation of the New England Center for Children – Cores Skills Assessment. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44 (1), 65-74.

week 12

Required readings (specific excerpts): Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2020). Applied behavior analysis (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Chapter 11. Positive reinforcement
Chapter 12. Negative reinforcement
Chapter 24. Extinction
Chapter 15. Negative Punishment
Chapter 14. Positive Punishment

 

week 13

Required readings:
Fabrizio, M. & Moors, A. (2003). Evaluating mastery: Measuring instructional outcomes for children with autism. European Journal of Behavior Analysis, 4, 23-36.
Gresham, F.M., Gansle, K.A. & Noell, G.H. (1993). Treatment integrity in applied behavior analysis with children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 26, 257-263.
Mandell, D.S., Stahmer, A.C., Shin, S., Xie, M., Reisinger, E., & Marcus, S.C. (2013). The role of treatment fidelity on outcomes during a randomized field trial of an autism intervention. Autism, 17 (3), 281-295.

Recommended reading:
Wilder, D. A., Atwell, J., Wine, B., (2006). The effects of varying levels of treatment integrity on child compliance during treatment with a three-step prompting procedure. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 39, 369-373.

week 14

Required readings:
Hastings, R. P. (2003). Behavioral adjustment of siblings of children with autism engaged in applied behavior analysis early intervention programs: The moderating role of social support. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33(2), 141-150.
Lindeman, D., Miltenberger, R., & Lennox, D. (1992). Acceptability of behavioral interventions: Perceptions of superintendents of public residential facilities. Behavioral Residential Treatment, 15, 35-44.
MiItenberger, R., Larson, J., Doerner, M., & Orvedal, L. (1992). Assessing the acceptability of staff management procedures to direct care and supervisory staff. Behavioral Residential Treatment, 7, 23-34.
Recommended reading:
Charlop-Christy, M. H., & Carpenter, M. H. (2000). Modified incidental teaching sessions: A procedure for parents to increase spontaneous speech in their children with autism. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 2, 98-112.
Recommended website:
https://www.asatonline.org/for-parents/learn-more-about-specific-treatments/applied-behavior-analysis-aba/aba-techniques/description-of-service-providers/