Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy for Children with Autism - Literature review Example

ABA Therapy for children with Autism issuing grant: Project s: Amount of grant: The purpose of the study is to conduct logical literature review examining Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy on people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder with the purpose of contributing to a wholly evidence-based practice. References from studies conducted in the last five years, scholarly articles and published papers will be used to extract information that is used in this study. The exclusion criterion will be pegged on the type of paper, year of publication, the title of the paper theme and authors information. The selected articles will be critically analyzed. The will examine methods of controlling autism. The methods examined will include Applied behavioral Analysis, Discrete Trial Training, Functional Communication training, Pivotal response Training, Antecedent based interventions and Parental Implemented intervention. Most of the literature review papers advocate for evidence-based approaches and emphasize on the engagement of a qualified Therapist to a control Autism. However, a meta-analysis will not be possible due to lack of comparable inclusion and characterization criteria. Even so, it will be imperative that we engage the services of a qualified ABA therapist and, for this reason donor funds will be required. The use of ABA therapy is an evidence-based method of controlling autism and is highly recommended. List of potential funders 1. Autism Family Resources Grant 2. Family First – National Autism Association 3. Autism Society of Connecticut Statement of the problem Autism is a neurological disorder that has that has posed a lot of challenges in finding effective ways of control irrespective of the economic state or geographical location of the victims (Hilsen, 2012). Research has not clearly proven the causes of autism though it is likely that autism is caused by genetic and environmental factors. Recent data by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that cases for autism have risen to 1 in every 110 American children. This rate translates to one in every 70 boys and 1 in every 315 ladies. However, there is a concern that only a small percentage of this population has been actually diagnosed with this condition. The Autism Society of America has estimated that over the life of an autism patient, an average of 3.5 million dollars to 5 million dollars is used towards care research, insurance among other costs (Johnson, 2013). Measured in terms of lost productivity and caregiving costs, autism costs America over 90 billion dollars annually. Even though this has been a prevailing problem in the society at large, my attention was drawn to it after I was attached at Mercy Kids Rehab Laredo, Texas. Parents whose children suffer from autism find it very difficult do access treatment. In the event that treatment is available it is often either expensive or even ineffective in addressing the problem. For example in Laredo, Texas, there is only one ABA therapist forcing parents who are already economically strained to pay for the services of an ABA therapist. Even so, they still would have to wait for a list that is always long to access those services. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of ABA therapy on children with autism with the aim of attracting funds to engage the services of an ABA therapist in Laredo. This would benefit the local community by availing readily a specialist while reducing the cost of accessing the services of an ABA therapist. This paper seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of ABA therapy on children with autism. Owing to the difficulties faced in finding lasting solutions and lack of adequate scientific backing on the ways of intervention. Project narrative Project Goal The goal of this project is to evaluate ABA therapy and activities therein to determine their efficacy of treating patients who have presented with autism Objectives 1. To evaluate the effectiveness of ABA therapy in patients with autism 2. To evaluate different activities under ABA therapy with the aim of determining their effectiveness in the treatment of autism 3. To attract funding to engage the services of an ABA therapist in Laredo, Texas Project activities Applied behavior analysis This is the application of continuous behavioral interventions to change behaviors with continuous evaluation of the methods used to evaluate the efficacy of the same. It gives prominence on the physical and social environment of the patients (Leach, 2012). A number of studies that have been conducted have shown that ABA therapy is effective on people with autism. It is recommended that behavioral interventions should be conducted with the supervision of a trained ABA therapist. Some of the activities under ABA therapy include Discrete trial training (DTT) This activity is highly effective for activities that are can be taught in small repeated steps. This activity is based on behavior analysis and behavioral learning theory. This activity involves shaping, modeling, prompting among others to inspire the gaining of skills (Hilsen, 2012). This activity has produced significant behavioral changes in the learning of language, imitation, play, academics and the reduction of aggressive behaviors. Functional Communication Training (FCT) This method seeks to replace inappropriate behaviors with more appropriate behaviors and communication. This activity has proved to improve social interaction and reduce problem behaviors (Johnson, 2013). Previous studies have proved that this activity is effective for young children with limited language skills. Pivotal response training (PRT) It seeks to develop the child interests. It, therefore, proves to be effective in the development of play, communication, and social behaviors. It can be used in pre-school children through to adults (Leach, 2012). Social skill training These activities directly train social skills. Peers are used to developing social skills (Leach, 2012). Aspects of social interaction used include verbal greetings; joint attention and eye contact are learned through focused training. Antecedent based interventions. This activity involves the use of choice, behavioral momentum and prompting. In this activity, antecedent conditions are created that increase the likelihood of success instead of just using punishment after a behavior has occurred (Leach, 2012). Cognitive Behavioral therapy This method is mostly used in adolescents. It is mostly used in individuals with mental and emotional disorders (Hilsen, 2012). This activity focuses on replacing negative behaviors with methods that improve mood and adaptive functioning. This method helps patients to determine their own actions in a variety of places like school, home, and the community. In this method, learners are given an opportunity to monitor their own behaviors, monitor and reward themselves for appropriate behaviors. It gives them an opportunity for self-management. For this method to be more effective, structured behavioral expectations are used. This method is mostly effective in adolescents. Parenting Groups It is evidence based and has been effective in ensuring the success of other activities as social skills and communication training (Leach, 2012). Computer based instructions. This method is effective in learning academic and communication skills. This method is effective for ABA training (Johnson, 2013). Outcomes The various methods highlighted above have been proven to be very effective in the therapy of children autism. Therefore, their projected application is highly recommended with the supervision of a qualified ABA Therapist. Evaluation Each case and patient of autism is unique and therefore treatment will need to be individualized to the specific needs of the patient. The evidence-based activities for ABA therapy have proved to be effective in patients of different age groups. However, early intervention needs to be taken so that even greater milestones are achieved in improving the social and cognitive development of children with autism. Recommendation Due to increased efficiency with the supervision, we recommend that ABA therapy should be conducted with supervision from a qualified ABA therapist. ABA therapy should also be commenced before 5 years old since it is more effective when started early. An important part of ABA therapy is that it should be given in the home or community setting. It is also recommended that to the areas which are underserved with professionals, teleconsultation can be used as it has proved effective. As with every other form of neurodevelopment disability, parental care has proved effective in controlling and coordinating care for the plan of care to be effective. Therefore, parents should be trained on ways of offering care to children with this kind of neurological condition. Even so, preventive, medical and other remedial services should be used as interventions for physical and mental disability and for optimum level functioning. It is highly recommended that effort should be made to ensure only proven interventions that are evidence based are used. Personnel Budget The personnel that will be required for this project are majorly 6 employees. A medical doctor; will be required who has a bachelor degree in medicine and additionally, should have 3 years of practicing experience. The doctor will be responsible in the continuous diagnosis of the patients to assess their health status. A Laboratory Technician; should have a college diploma in medical Laboratory science and will be responsible for preparing samples and running samples as requested by the doctor. Rehabilitation Nurse with a college diploma in nursing and will be charged with taking care of patients and ensuring they take their medications as directed by the behavioral therapist and the doctor. ABA Therapist To apply consistent behavioral principles in all his/her interaction with clients and to conduct individualized treatment plans in consultation with the doctor and behavioral consultants. The therapist will also be responsible for teaching all clients to acquire academic, language, self-help skills as stated in the Individual Treatment Plans. Qualifications The holder of BA degree in the following fields: Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Child Development, Education and other related fields A holder of certification for ABA coursework in an undergraduate level Experience The best candidates have previous experience in ABA and working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Itemized Budget: Item Description Quantity Individual Cost Total Cost Amount Requested ($) 1 ABA therapist 1 2500 2500 2500 2 Drugs 50 30 1500 1500 3 Fare 500 500 4 Stationery 500 500 5 6 Totals 5000 Reflection Section: This project will be a milestone in ensuring that patients of autism are able to access effective and affordable treatment. ABA methods of treating Autism are evidence-based and have proved to be effective in the treatment of autism. The greatest challenge faced was the lack of funds to do participant based research. This field has not attracted enough funding from donors and therefore information about ABA therapy for children with autism is not adequate. Most of the methods used for ABA therapy are not evidence-based and, therefore, more studies still need to be conducted in this area.The project heavily relied on already conducted studies and the results of previous studies. Previous knowledge acquired in the course of my study proved to be of utmost importance and formed a background for the study. References Hilsen, L. (2012). A step-by-step curriculum for early learners with autism spectrum disorders. London: Jessica Kingsley. Johnson, E. (2013). The parents guide to in-home ABA programs frequently asked questions about applied behavior analysis for your child with autism. London: Jessica Kingsley. Leach, D. (2012). Bringing ABA to home, school, and play for young children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. Baltimore, Md.: Paul H. Brookes Pub. Read More