...Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder Psychology PS501-03 Dr. Valerie Balldin March 18, 2014 Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder Abstract Autism refers to a group of development brain syndromes, collectively known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).The term spectrum is a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability, or impairments that children with ASD can have. Some of the ASD children are insignificantly impaired by their symptoms while others are severe. Behavior Analysis and Autism Spectrum Disorder According to American Psychiatric Association; "Autism is a neuro-development syndrome defined by deficits in social reciprocity and communication, and by unusual restricted, repetitive behaviors.” (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). It is a condition that usually begins at infancy-before or by three years old. Affected children begin by not using words to communicate though they may recite the alphabet and familiar passages. There is a wide variation of the degree in the way autism spectrum affects individuals. Each child with autism has a unique abilities, challenges and symptoms. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Even though Autism is not a single Disorder; but it is a spectrum of closely related Disorders with a shared core of symptoms:...
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...Topical Reference List: Inclusion of Autism Spectrum Disorder Students Lindsey Liermann Liberty University Abstract This paper includes a reference list of literature relating to components of successful inclusion for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In general, the literature seems to indicate what practices are effective for successfully including ASD students with typical peers, as well as, if inclusion is right for all ASD students. The literature includes evidence that the different components support students’ progress in general education settings. More empirical data needs to be collected to see if different components work for all students with Autism Spectrum Disorder while with typical peers. Keywords: students with ASD, inclusion, typical peers, successful strategies, perceptions of inclusion, support, and modification for students. Topical Reference List: Inclusion of Autism Spectrum Disorder Students Until recently, the common practice was to pull children with Autism or other disabilities out of regular education classrooms for majority of the day or even have them completely segregated. It seemed more efficient to provide specialized instruction in separate classrooms where children with Autism could received individualized attention without having to alter the mainstream curriculum that typical peers received. But, different practices were proposed in the 1980’s for greater efforts to “include”...
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...ELSE 6183 Teaching Students w/ASD Name: Melissa Garner 10/29/15 Directions During week 2, submit a brief explanation of your Autism Spectrum Disorder research topic. This is the first major step in the process of conducting relevant research to guide practice. The topic should address a strategy, method, or intervention that has been researched and proven effective for teaching students diagnosed w/ASD. This topic should be of personal interest and prove beneficial to all SpEd and Gen-Ed Teachers. Once you have decided on an area of interest, it is time to narrow your topic into a thesis statement. This thesis narrows the focus of your paper and presents an arguable assertion or hypothesis. For the Research Plan Assessment respond to the following: I. Identifying and Limiting the Research Topic: What instructional/teaching method of ASD are you interested in? The instructional intervention I am interested in is Discrete Trial Training, or DTT, and how it is effectively used to educate students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. It is helpful to understand the context of your problem. What problem do you see in your school, classroom, and/or educational context? What do you want to research? I am researching the applied behavior analysis procedure called Discrete Trial Training intervention and its effectiveness on...
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...Until Every Piece Fits Autism: a pervasive developmental brain disorder, has taken over controversial issue debates, and impacted families all across the globe. Autism has been a part of my life beginning at age five, before I could even conceptualize what a complex disorder it truly is. I was in kindergarten and like any other five year-old, I was curious about how other people acted. I noticed that some kids were more socially isolated than others, had trouble making friends or even playing with others. I noticed that when it got really loud, or whenever we were doing an activity involving a lot of tactile input, certain kids would pull away and repeat certain behaviors. One particular kid would hunch his back, hyper-extend his fingers, shake them vigorously, as if to dry them off in absence of paper towels, and rock back and forth on his heels. These types of behaviors were relatively commonplace in my experience and I accepted them as absolutely harmless. I had seen the calming affect these rituals had on my classmate. My five year-old self was unknowingly picking up on behaviors that were the hallmark of autism. I attended an elementary school that was located in the autism hub of the county; so several students with autism were mainstreamed, or assimilated, into my classes. These students were not the majority. Rather, neurotypical students, a term used to describe children without a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, composed the majority of our school’s population...
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...What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Michelle Murphy Adelphi University Abstract Autism spectrum disorder is the most rapidly growing developmental disorder in the United States, affecting 1 in every 88 children (Autism Speaks, 2012). The 1930s brought about the discovery of this disorder by Dr. Leo Kanner when he studied eleven children who possessed similar qualities that did not coincide with any known psychological disorders. Since Dr. Kanner’s initial research with Autism, many signs that he observed in the children he studied began to be noticed in many more children. The most common sign of Autism is an individual’s inability to communicate and express him or herself in the correct way. Furthermore, a lack of social skills, inability to speak, emotionless attitude, and obsessive behavior when performing certain tasks are common qualities seen amongst people with Autism (Wing, 2001.) These signs vary depending on the type of Autism the individual is diagnosed with. Autism is organized into five subcategories: Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Classic Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Rett’s Syndrome ("Autism community- Autism," 2010). Each of these subcategories help psychologists and researchers to better understand the form of Autism they are dealing with, and as a result provide more effective treatment methods in accordance with the individual’s diagnosis. Although a variety of treatment methods have been established to aid people...
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...address the needs of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In observing students who are a part of the inclusive environment, it is evident that they benefit from social encounters however, in observing their academic progress, in such areas as analysis and critical thinking; it becomes clear that it is important to reevaluate the total inclusion experience. In understanding inclusion, one must become familiar with its definition. Inclusion is an educational approach whereby special need children are integrated with nondisabled children in the general education setting. In recent educational development and over the past 20 year’s inclusion as an exclusive tool for disseminating education has been called into question. As teachers face countless challenges in providing instruction to children diagnosed with autism, so do these children find it difficult to learn, to process and retain the information? In my professional experience and interactions with educators, it has been concluded that considerable work is needed in regards to reaching these students cognitively in the inclusive environment. As an experienced and veteran teacher working with special needs children, this inclusion approach has led me to rethink the way it has been defined and the way it has been employed in the general education setting. This widely used and accepted approach to educating children with disabilities, especially those children on the spectrum, does not always allow them to acquire...
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...COMPLETING THE PUZZLE Completing the Puzzle of Autism Spectrum Disorder Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) most commonly known as Autism is a neurological disorder that affects the normal brain function. It is a disorder characterized by deficits in three major areas of behavior-social, communicative and the display of repetitive or restricted behaviors. This research paper will provide a review of people with autism spectrum disorders, including the symptoms, diagnosis criteria, and possible causes. In addition, it will describe with how it has impacted the society, families and themselves. Completing the Puzzle of Autism Spectrum Disorder Can you imagine trying to understand what your parents or peers are saying but you don’t really know what the words mean? Sometimes this can make a child very upset and frustrated just because they can’t come up with the right words to express his or her feelings or thoughts. These kids with special needs try to live their lives by learning to handle stuff that are challenging and annoying for them. People with autism can make a significant contribution to society, as well as to their families. However, having autism is generally difficult for the person themselves and their family, it also involves great financial sacrifice. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) most commonly known as “Autism” is a neurological disorder that has an effect on normal brain function...
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...141). Adopting evidence-based practices and using scientific methods are important for educating and supporting individuals with ASD. Effective matching of EBP methods to the particular needs of an individual with ASD is considered best practice. Programs must be correctly applied and evaluated by knowledgeable professionals (Simpson, 2005). Implementation of evidence based-based practices involves a process of actions, multiple decisions and corrections (Fixsen, Naoom, Blase, Friedman & Wallace, 2005). Application to the clinical treatment, education and social intervention of individuals with autism spectrum disorders is influenced by current economic and political trends as well as historical influences. The National Research Council (NRC) issued a report in 2001 that incorporated a thorough analysis of the scientific base for the education of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The review highlighted the aspects of effective programs such as the preparation of educators, early intervention and a low ratio of students and teachers. The importance of families and the necessity for future research were also recommended (Buron & Wolfberg, 2013). Accountability, scientifically based intervention and highly qualified teachers are important requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). “Both the NRC report and the...
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...practices. Those who achieve a Ph. D in clinical psychology have chosen the most flexible option of the two. A Ph. D in clinical psychology is both scientifically and behaviorally focused allowing those who finish the program can work in clinical, research or educational settings. Whereas, those with Psy. D have completed coursework that is more specifically geared towards counseling in mental health settings. Clinical psychologists often have to diagnose and assess people with mental disorders. There are different tracks within clinical psychology that one can choose to specialize in, such as adult clinical psychology or child clinical psychology. With a specialization of child clinical psychology, a psychologist is responsible for the care and protection of the youngest population of society. Those in child clinical psychology are often the professionals who first encounter and raise awareness of a child’s signs and symptoms of autism Background on Autism Three children are diagnosed with autism every hour. In this day and age, there...
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...Autism Spectrum Disorder Out of the estimated 12-16% of developmental and behavior disorders that children may develop, autism spectrum is one of the common ones. Autism spectrum disorder is one the neurodevelopmental disorders that begins in early childhood and are characterized by impaired social interactions and communication, with restricted interests, activities, and behaviors, and repetitive patterns of behavior. (Ball, Bindler, Cowen, p.865). As recently as 1990, autism was considered a rare and hopeless disorder. The prevalence was thought to be 1 in every 2500 children. (Bell, p.1) Today, on average, about 1 in every 100-150 children are diagnosed with this disorder. (Ball, Bindler, Cowen, p.865). Where does this disorder come from?...
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... | |AUTISM | | | | | | | | | Chapter 1 What is Autism Autism is a developmental disability that appears during the initial three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. Autism will result in development delays in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Autistic children will typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions etc. Autism spectrum disorder/ASD can occur in any combination and with varying frequency. The autism spectrum is a group of five disorders; PDD are Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), Rhett’s Disorder, and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic...
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...A Look at the Social Conflicts with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder By: Satonya Serrano Final Paper 4.17.11 Social skills are a constant challenge for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I chose this subject because at the daycare facility that I work my assistant teacher’s nephew has Autism. She is constantly at her sister’s helping her with her son and she comes to work telling me things about David. Before doing any research I was unaware of what it exactly meant to be Autistic. Although I only researched one challenge that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder face, I now feel I have a good understanding of that challenge, and can empathize with this individuals and can only hope that more research goes into this field and can further help and assist individuals with this disorder. I now can understand a little more of what my assistant tells me about David and can appreciate her stories more. For my research I read three articles. The first article was called,” Strategies for Increasing Positive Social Interactions in Children with Autism: A Case Study” by Evonn Welton, Shernavaz VaKil and Carolyn Carasea. The article was about a 13 year old girl named Caryn and the effects that Autism has on herself as well as any Autistic child’s social interactions. It discussed how Caryn has now overcome her challenge of social skills and how she did it. They give strategies as to what methods can help children...
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...Autism is part of a group of neurological disorders. There are two specified groups pertaining to autism. Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). within PDD-NOS falls Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorders. Autism is referred to in today’s medical field as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). (NICHD.gov) Although there are different level of autism; levels referring to severity, everyone that has autism falls under the category of “ASD“, Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism affects the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. This disorder makes it hard for them to relate to the outside world. It is hard for them to communicate with others. Aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present in some cases. (Autism Speaks, 2009) The word "Autism," which has used for the last one-hundred years, comes from the Greek word "autos," meaning "self." The term describes conditions in which a person is removed from social interaction (self removed). Eugene Bleuler, who was a Swiss psychiatrist, was the first person to use the term Autism in 1911 (Wikipedia ). Autism research and discovery is greatly in part to the research of Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist who became the first physician in the world to be titled...
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...Final Paper: Autism in Children: Conceptualizing the Complexities Genesis Cuesta The Chicago School of Professional Psychology December 13, 2012 Autism is a disorder that is becoming more and more common in our everyday society, despite a lack of everyday knowledge on this multifaceted disorder. Children are diagnosed with a range of autism disorders, fearing the consequences that come with it. In a short amount of time, the fields of medicine and psychology have advanced tremendously in their knowledge of this disorder and how it affects the development of children. In this paper, we will explore aspects of autism, from the different causes offered by researchers, common symptoms, and the latest treatments to combat this complex disorder. Overview Autism is not one disorder, but rather a group of developmental brain disorders, collectively referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) (2011) the term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment, or disability that children with ASD can have. As indicated by Johnson and Myers, Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins University first described autism in a small group of children in 1943 (as cited in Kanner, 1943). Kanner documented that they showed extreme aloofness and total indifference to other people. In 1944, Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician published an...
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...Autism Autism or PPD (pervasive developmental disorder) is defined by the Columbia encyclopedia as a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the inability to relate to and perceive the environment in a realistic manner. The onset of the disorder is in infancy or early childhood, generally before the age of thirty months, and males are affected four times as often as females. Symptoms include impairment in social interaction, fixation on inanimate objects, inability to communicate normally, and resistance to changes in daily routine (Anthes, 1997). Characteristics of Autism Diagnosing Autism is based on four characteristics: difficulty with language, abnormal responses to sensory stimuli, resistance to change and difficulty with social interaction. ?Other characteristics of autism may include: making the same repetitive motion for hours, repeating a sound or phrase, inability to hold a conversation, practicing unusual play patterns, and extreme sensitivity to sound and touch? (Riccio, 1999). Autistics can exhibit any combination of these characteristics in any degree. That is why autism is referred to as a ?spectrum? disorder, because at one end of the disorder a child may be inflicted with some symptoms, while at the opposite end a child may be inflicted with multiple symptoms with many areas in between. Children who display few symptoms may be characterized as ?mildly autistic?. Early signs of Autism may appear in the first months of life. Autistic infants...
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