Applied Behavior Analysis One of the most widely used therapies for successful treatment of individuals with ASD is Applied Behavior Analysis or (ABA). ABA is a therapy that is based on how individuals learn and the science of human behavior. Behavior analysis helps us understand how behavior works, how the environment influences behavior, and how learning occurs. ABA therapy applies our knowledge of how behavior works to real-world situations. The goal is to increase helpful behaviors while decreasing harmful or challenging behaviors. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). (2022). Autism Speaks. https://www.autismspeaks.org/applied-behavior-analysis
Speech & Language Therapy Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological developmental condition that affects people at all stages of their lives. Individuals with ASD have difficulty with social interactions and experience challenges with both receptive and expressive language. Because of difficulty with communication, individuals on the spectrum may require the support of a licensed Speech and Language Pathologist who understands the importance of using evidence-based assessments and interventions, as well as the importance of an individual's ability to express themselves in both a larger social setting and in their primary relationships. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association https://identifythesigns.org/signs-of-speech-and-language-disorders/
Sensory issues & interventions Sensory problems can be difficult for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a result, individuals with ASD may also see and experience their reality in a very different way . They may also demonstrate difficulty with the 5 senses such as, touch, smell, hearing, taste, and sight because of their inability to adequately filter incoming information from these senses. When confronted with sensory issues and an inability to communicate about their experiences of the world around them, the behavior of these individuals can be socially inappropriate and require appropriate evidence based interventions (Leaf et. al., 2021). OT Theory Framework and Strategies https://ottheory.com/index.php/therapy-model/clinical-reasoning-framework-children-autism-spectrum-disorder-experiencing-sensory
Social Skills & Interventions According to Locke et al., "The ability to understand social cues and engage in interpersonal exchanges requires a set of social skills, which is inherent in most typically developing children. In contrast, children with ASD experience challenges in social reciprocity and communication that may impede their ability to navigate social interactions, which in turn, may interfere with their ability to establish lasting and quality friendships. Children with ASD often experience challenges surrounding social pragmatics (e.g., turn-taking in conversation, initiating conversation, and the ability to take the listener’s perspective), perseverative speech, and emotion regulation, expression, and under- standing. These deficits may possibly lead to rejection and isolation from peers particularly when integrated with typically developing children in inclusive school settings" (2013). Interactive Autism Network https://iancommunity.org/cs/what_do_we_know/social_skills_interventions
Avoiding “fad” treatments & information According to Foxx, "Few conditions have been as fraught with fad, controversial, unsupported, disproven, and unvalidated treatments as autism. The underlying reason for this relates directly to science being misunderstood or ignored by parents, professionals, and paraprofessionals" (2010). What we do know works are "Evidence Based Treatments." According to Odom et. al., "Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are the basis on which teachers and other service providers are required to design educational programs for learners with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As part of their work with the National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on ASD, researchers developed a process for reviewing the research literature and established criteria for identifying EBPs. In their review, they identified 24 focused intervention practices having sufficient evidence. In this article, the authors describe procedures for selecting specific EBPs appropriate for addressing specific IEP goals for learners with ASD. The authors emphasize the importance of systematic implementation of practices" (2010). National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder https://autismpdc.fpg.unc.edu/national-professional-development-center-autism-spectrum-disorder