第十屆 行為療法對於自閉症及其他發展障礙兒童的效果分析

Behavioral Treatment for Young Children with Autism andOther Developmental Disabilities- Outcome Data  
陳曉瑩
Hsiaoying Chen & Michael Carpenter  Nyansa Learning Corporation, USA

Background and Purpose: Early intervention programs that have teaching methods based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) have effectively helped children with autism display progress in a variety of areas of development (Koegel et al., 1999; Lovaas, O. I., 1987).  Some literature suggested intensive intervention may be a factor in more favorable outcomes (National Research Council, 2001).  This study analyzed the treatment gains of children with autism or at risk for developing autism that received an average of 12 hours of intensive intervention per week.

 Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used that compared pre-treatment and post-treatment scores to assess the treatment outcome of young children from a behavioral program.  The Developmental Assessment of Young Children (DAYC) was used during pre and post tests.  Participants’ standard scores were compared and analyzed.  Participants were children who received DAYC assessment at their intake and received at least 4 months of intervention.  Thirty-two participants were selected to this study.  The age of the participants ranged from 16 months to 30 months.  The length of services ranged from 4 months to 11 months.  Most participants received 12 hours of one on one intervention per week.  Parent training was also provided on a regular basis.  Treatment occurred in a one-on-one setting at the children’s home or in a daycare setting.  

 Results:  To assess treatment gains following treatment, pre- and post-test gains were compared. Results indicated that 19 participants improved on their cognitive scores, 16 participants improved on their language scores, 20 participants improved on their social emotional scores, and 21 participants improved on their general development quotient. The general development quotients of 9 participants improved and fell within the normal range after the treatments.

 Conclusions and Implications:  This study replicates previous studies that documented intensive intervention based on applied behavior analysis leads to treatment gains in children with autism or at risk for developing autism.  This study also highlights that intensity of intervention may be a crucial factor in helping children reach their full potential.  The results of the study should be viewed with caution as only one standardized test was used and the limitations of the method including the lack of randomized assignments of participants to a treatment or control group.      Key Words: behavioral treatment, early intervention, autism