Effective Programs for Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders ─ Applied Behavior Analysis Models

Effective Programs for Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder is written for teachers, parents, and the many service providers who work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Part one reviews the characteristics of ASD, summarizes major theories and research findings regarding cause(s) of ASD, and discusses the most popular treatment claims, examining each approach's scientific base and value. Part two provides an informative overview of applied behavior analysis, focusing on the principles of learning and basic procedures based upon those principles. These two parts provide a foundation for understanding the strategies implemented by the outstanding treatment programs described in Part three.

The eight models described in Part three represent comprehensive, evidence-based programs for the treatment of persons with ASD, from infancy through adulthood. Programs reviewed include the Lovaas Institute, Koegel Center, Strategic Teaching and Reinforcement Systems (STARS), Project DATA, New England Children's Center, May Institute, Princeton Child Development Institute, and Judge Rotenberg Center. Strategies explained include intensive early behavioral intervention, Pivotal Response Training, verbal behavior, script fading, social stories, visual activity schedules, functional analysis, the Picture Exchange Communication System, and the Family-Teaching Model.

Betty Fry Williams, Ph.D. is Coordinator of the Special Education program at Whitworth University, is the university’s current Edward B. Lindaman Chair, researching issues in the identification and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.
Randy Lee Williams, Ph.D is a professor in the Department of Special Education at Gonzaga University, specializing in teaching applied behavior analysis and Direct Instruction to university students training to become special education teachers.

Preface
Part I. Autism Spectrum Disorder
1. Characteristics of Autism
2. Searching for the Cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder
3. Examining the Evidence for Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Part II. Applied Behavior Analysis
4. Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis
5. Basic Procedures Based Upon Principles of Learning
Part III. Effective Treatment Programs
6. The Lovaas Institute: Intensive Early Intervention
7. The Koegel Center: Pivotal Response Training
8. Strategic Teaching and Reinforcement Systems (STARS): Verbal Behavior
9. Project DATA, School-Based Inclusion Model
10. May Institute: System of Care
11. New England Center for Children: Teaching Independence
12. Princeton Child Development Institute: Across the Lifespan
13. Judge Rotenberg Center: Zero Exclusion
Part IV. Concluding Remarks
14. Observations and Reflections