Hello, Neil.

Take a look at this: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2203637/

I was a student of Dr. Anthony Cuvo while I did my graduate work in behavior analysis at Southern Ilinois University. He is one of the most respected researchers in this field. Take a look at the Autism Spectrum Disorders Center, SIU.

Best regards,

Edgar Salgado

Edgar,

I read some of the material and I don't really have a problem with behavior analysis and modification as an effective treatment modality. What I wonder about is the delivery of ABA in particular, with therapists who in many cases do not even have a Master's degree. I also wonder about the necessity of the very long sessions and the long duration of the treatment. This kind of treatment would never be recommended for psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, etc).

Hello, again, Neil. I have some comments: Autism spectrum disorders are pervasive conditions, most of them showing up in early childhood, and which will accompany people who suffer them for the rest of their lives. Interventions are more intensive and long-term. In the field of behavior analysis, there is a certification, called BCBA (in the USA). In order for someone to be "board-certified behavior analyst", they must have at least a masters-level background, relevant practica, and also pass a very strict examination. As it often happens in these fields (psych, education, social interventions), the "technology" is used by other professionals and para-professionals. But applied behavior analysis is a well-established technology, with enough empirical support. Honestly I never practiced behavior analysis, although I had my degree in that field, but what I learned, and the many journal articles, books, and other materials that I studied show that behavior analysis is one of the few evidence-based techniques for these kinds of conditions. Regards.

May want to email Dr. J. Beirne at Autism Services Center in West Virginia. Email address: [email protected]. Many years experience. Good luck.

I believe the answer is - it depends on what you consider 'treatment'.  The studies conducted for ABA have focused on improved IQ scores (overall resulting in less than a 10 pt. improvement based on meta-analysis), speech production (both of the latter are considered as 'co-morbid- and not central to ASD)  and "adaptive' scores based on the Vineland instrument. The latter does not correlate well with the type of real-world adaptation needed to function in today's work and family environments.  There has been no attempt to study the impact of ABA or related interventions on what researchers now consider the hallmark impairments of ASD. 

I can suggest our research 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280997107_ASSESSMENT_OF_A_LONG-TERM_DEVELOPMENTAL_RELATIONSHIP-BASED_APPROACH_IN_CHILDREN_WITH_AUTISM_SPECTRUM_DISORDER_%28.%29

Autism and Mental Retardation in patients is hard to differentiate between one and the other. Does amyloid plaque formation occur in both cases? - ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/post/Autism_and_Mental_Retardation_in_patients_is_hard_to_differentiate_between_one_and_the_other_Does_amyloid_plaque_formation_occur_in_both_cases [accessed Jan 25, 2016].

Article Assessment of a Long-Term Developmental Relationship-Based A...