Autism Quote of the Decade - 2nd Place - MADSEC Autism Task Force Report ABA Conclusion

Conclusions

There is a wealth of validated and peer-reviewed studies supporting the efficacy of ABA

methods to improve and sustain socially significant behaviors in every domain, in individuals

with autism. Importantly, results reported include “meaningful” outcomes such as increased

social skills, communication skills academic performance, and overall cognitive functioning.

These reflect clinically-significant quality of life improvements. While studies varied as to the

magnitude of gains, all have demonstrated long term retention of gains made.

Other major contributions of ABA to the education and treatment of individuals with autism

include:

• a large number of empirically-based systematic instruction methods that lead to the

acquisition of skills, and to the decrease/elimination of aberrant behaviors;

• a technology for systematically evaluating the efficacy of interventions intended to affect

individual learning and behavior; and

• substantial cost/benefit.

Over 30 years of rigorous research and peer review of applied behavior analysis’ effectiveness

for individuals with autism demonstrate ABA has been objectively substantiated as effective

based upon the scope and quality of science. Professionals considering applied behavior

analysis should portray the method as objectively substantiated as effective. Methods of applied

behavior analysis should be considered to evaluate the effectiveness of any intervention used to

help individuals with autism. Researchers should continue to vigorously investigate behavioral

intervention as the most promising area of research and treatment benefitting individuals with

autism known today. Early interventionists should leverage early autism diagnosis with the

proven efficacy of intensive ABA for optimal outcome and long-term cost benefit.

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Conclusions

There is a wealth of validated and peer-reviewed studies supporting the efficacy of ABA

methods to improve and sustain socially significant behaviors in every domain, in individuals

with autism. Importantly, results reported include “meaningful” outcomes such as increased

social skills, communication skills academic performance, and overall cognitive functioning.

These reflect clinically-significant quality of life improvements. While studies varied as to the

magnitude of gains, all have demonstrated long term retention of gains made.

Other major contributions of ABA to the education and treatment of individuals with autism

include:

• a large number of empirically-based systematic instruction methods that lead to the

acquisition of skills, and to the decrease/elimination of aberrant behaviors;

• a technology for systematically evaluating the efficacy of interventions intended to affect

individual learning and behavior; and

• substantial cost/benefit.

Over 30 years of rigorous research and peer review of applied behavior analysis’ effectiveness

for individuals with autism demonstrate ABA has been objectively substantiated as effective

based upon the scope and quality of science. Professionals considering applied behavior

analysis should portray the method as objectively substantiated as effective. Methods of applied

behavior analysis should be considered to evaluate the effectiveness of any intervention used to

help individuals with autism. Researchers should continue to vigorously investigate behavioral

intervention as the most promising area of research and treatment benefitting individuals with

autism known today. Early interventionists should leverage early autism diagnosis with the

proven efficacy of intensive ABA for optimal outcome and long-term cost benefit.

---

Conclusions

There is a wealth of validated and peer-reviewed studies supporting the efficacy of ABA methods to improve and sustain socially significant behaviors in every domain, in individuals with autism. Importantly, results reported include “meaningful” outcomes such as increased social skills, communication skills academic performance, and overall cognitive functioning. These reflect clinically-significant quality of life improvements. While studies varied as to the magnitude of gains, all have demonstrated long term retention of gains made.

...

Over 30 years of rigorous research and peer review of applied behavior analysis’ effectiveness for individuals with autism demonstrate ABA has been objectively substantiated as effective based upon the scope and quality of science. Professionals considering applied behavior analysis should portray the method as objectively substantiated as effective. Methods of applied behavior analysis should be considered to evaluate the effectiveness of any intervention used to help individuals with autism. Researchers should continue to vigorously investigate behavioral intervention as the most promising area of research and treatment benefitting individuals with autism known today. Early interventionists should leverage early autism diagnosis with the proven efficacy of intensive ABA for optimal outcome and long-term cost benefit.

- Report of the MADSEC Autism Task Force, 2000