The Applied Behaviour Analysis imperative in the management of autism

Abstract

ABA (applied behavioural analysis) interventions have the most robust body of evidence showing their efficacy in improving the outcome of autism. Comprehensive ABA interventions include the Lovaas model and a group of more recent naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions. Randomised clinical trials have shown developmental gains associated with those interventions in key domains (cognitive, language, play, social behaviour), although initial results have not been consistently replicated. There is no direct head-to-head comparison of comprehensive ABA approaches, and evidence for the need to deliver treatments with very high intensity or to intervene at a very early age is largely inconsistent. Implementation of ABA comprehensive interventions in community settings is associated with lesser effects. Pragmatic, low-cost interventions for low-resource countries and settings are currently being tested. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: journal abstract)