ABA and Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Scientific Support

Applied Behavior Analysis and Neurodevelopmental Disorders:
Overview and Summary of Scientific Support

Authors: Louis P. Hagopian & Eric W. Boelter
The Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

"Applied Behavior Analysis Defined.

Behavior analysis is the systematic study of variables that influence behavior (Sulzer-Azaroff & Mayer, 1991). Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a discipline concerned with the application of behavioral science in real-world settings such as clinics or schools with the aim of addressing socially important issues such as behavior problems and learning (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968). Procedures derived from the discipline of ABA have been implemented to assess and treat a broad range of behaviors with individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, despite more than 40 years of applied behavior analytic research there continues to be misperceptions about ABA. One misperception is that ABA is a standardized treatment program that is used for a specific type of problem and with specific types of individuals. For example, some incorrectly believe that ABA is a type of therapy or a specific procedure for teaching children with autism, and that it is synonymous with “Lovaas Therapy” or “discrete trial training.” Although discrete trial training represents one type of ABA-based approach, the field of ABA is much broader and includes a range of tactics, methods, and procedures that have been shown to be effective for many different types of problems. Features common to all ABA-based approaches are the objective measurement of behavior, precise control of the environment, and use of procedures based on scientifically established principles of behavior. Any clinical procedure or research investigation adhering to these basic criteria can be considered to be an ABA-based procedure. This includes “functional behavioral assessment,” and approaches such as “Positive Behavioral Support,” and forms of “Behavior Therapy” that rely on direct observation of behavior and analysis of behavior-environment relations..."

FULL ARTICLE

• Applied Behavior Analysis Defined
• Scientific Support for Applied Behavior Analysis
• Application of ABA-based procedures across settings and populations
• Scientific, Professional, and Government Organizations’ Position on Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Empirically Supported Treatments for Problems Associated with Mental Retardation, Autism and Related Disorders.
• Legislative Rulings in Support of Funding and Access to ABA-Based Services.
• Link to list of references

Autism Speaks Endorses Oregon Autism Insurance Reform Bill

From the Autism Votes News Center

Autism Speaks Endorses Oregon Autism Insurance Reform Bill HB 3000

Would End Health Care Discrimination Against Children with Autism by Requiring Coverage of Diagnosis and Treatment

Salem, OR (March 31, 2009) – Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism advocacy organization, today announced its support for House Bill 3000, the autism insurance reform bill. The legislation would require private health insurance companies to cover the screening, diagnosis, testing and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for individuals up to the age of 21. The maximum benefit would be $36,000 per year.

Sponsored in the Oregon State House by State Representative Peter Buckley (D- Ashland -5), HB 3000 includes coverage of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), an evidence-based, medically-necessary autism therapy.

“We applaud and thank Representative Buckley for his leadership on this issue of critical concern to thousands of Oregon families,” said Elizabeth Emken, Autism Speaks Vice President of Government Relations. “Autism Speaks joins Oregon’s autism community in calling on the legislature to pass HB 3000 and join the growing number of states that have ended healthcare discrimination against children with autism.”Most states do not require private insurance companies to cover even essential autism treatments and services. In the absence of coverage, families often pay as much as they can out-of-pocket for services that can cost upwards of $50,000 per year. In the process, many risk their homes and the educations of their unaffected children – essentially mortgaging their entire futures.

Eight states – Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas -- have enacted autism insurance reform legislation. Several other state legislatures will vote on similar legislation during the current session.

(Blog author note: Two more states have passed autism insurance reform during this legislative season - New Mexico and Montana, bringing the national total to ten states with autism insurance reform law.)

To download a print copy of this release from Autism Votes