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| Precise Descriptions: Why Autism Treatment Requires Them and the Effects of Their Absence |
| Monday, May 29, 2006 |
| 9:00 AM–10:20 AM |
| Dunwoody |
| Area: TPC; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Harry A. Mackay (Northeastern University, Shriver Center) |
| Discussant: David M. Corcoran (BEACON Services) |
| CE Instructor: Robert K. Ross, M.S. |
| Abstract: A defining characteristic of applied behavior analysis is the requirement for precise descriptions of target behaviors and carefully specified interventions to enable replicability. In applied autism treatment we have found a number of instances and common problems that do not meet this standard. For example terms such as transition problems, sensory processing dysfunction, and auditory processing problems are commonly used to identify what are hypothesized causes of difficulty rather than specific behaviors to be treated. These terms do not enable clinicians to identify the behavioral problem to be treated with any degree of specificity, nor do they address the environmental variables of which the behavior may be a function. Often these inadequate descriptions are used to explain or even justify why the individual is having difficulty. Indeed for many people these inadequate descriptions are now treated as symptoms of autism. However, the lack of precision in description may misdirect those providing interventions and thus focus on irrelevant variables that may not produce an effective outcome. This symposium will outline the parameters of effective and precise descriptions and then present three case examples where poor description has led to ineffective treatment. |
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| "Transition Problems": Why They are not "Transition Problems". |
| ROBERT K. ROSS (BEACON Services) |
| Abstract: The term “transition problem” does not meet the requirement of precise description as required in applied behavior analysis. It is a misnomer that lacks precision about the behavior(s) involved, and actually suggests variables that may not be relevant. This description may even misguide the clinician into implementing potential solutions to problems that do not exist. A transition problem does not involve the inability to end one activity and move to another. In its common usage the term rarely refers to a lack of ability to move from place to place. Indeed, it is almost always used to describe situations in which a person is asked or directed to leave a preferred condition and go to a less preferred setting or activity. The relevant variables thus involve considerations about reinforcement, and stimulus control by instructions. Case examples will highlight how imprecise description has led to ineffective treatment and how accurate description has resulted in positive outcomes. |
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| "Sensory Processing Dysfunction": What Does This Mean? And Imply? |
| DAVID M. CORCORAN (BEACON Services) |
| Abstract: The term “sensory processing dysfunction” does not meet the requirement of precise description as required in applied behavior analysis. It is a misnomer that lacks precision about the behavior(s) involved, and actually suggests variables that may not be relevant. This description may even misguide the clinician into implementing potential solutions to problems that do not exist. A “sensory processing dysfunction” is inferred from evidence that the individual either does not respond in a typical manner to auditory, visual or tactile stimuli. It is rarely backed up with neurological or neuro-physiological data showing the presence of a “processing dysfunction”. That someone covers their ears in the presence of a particular sound, is evidence that they cover their ears in the presence of that sound. The inference of neurological dysfunction on the basis of this evidence alone is not sound behavior analytic (or indeed medical) practice. The “processing dysfunction” explanation, takes us away from considering relevant variables such as reinforcement history with respect to the stimulus in question. Case examples will highlight how imprecise description has led to ineffective treatment and how accurate description has resulted in positive outcomes. |
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| MAJDA M. SEUSS (ABAI) |
| Abstract: BLANK |
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