Nesrhtens…..

Professor Svein Eikeseth has published an good article in Research in Developmental Disabilities (2009) evaluation the scientific value and the outcome of 25 studies on psycho-educational interventions for young children with autism; 20 behavioral studies, 3 TEACCH- studies and 2 studies evaluated the Colorado Health Sciences Project.

Professor Eikeseth has done a solid evaluation of the scientific strength and the magnitude of the results of all these studies, and based on this he concludes “Based on these guidelines interventions based on ABA will be considered ‘‘Well Established’’. TEACCH and Colorado Health Science model will be considered neither ‘‘Well Established’’ nor ‘‘Probably efficacious’’.”

He also gives directions for future research, and states that it should consider:

1. There is a need for additional outcome research
2. Whenever an approach is documented effective, there is a need to identify effective treatment parameters and mechanisms responsible for change. This applies in particular to ABA-research
3. There is a need to identify characteristics that interact with outcome.
4. There is a need to improve treatment for those children who respond less favorable.
5. Research could examine the efficacy of biomedical treatments in combination with psychosocial treatments.
6. Research could develop criteria for discontinuing or changing treatment approach.
7. Research could be conducted to examine the cost-effectiveness and cost–benefits of the interventions.

And some others. He also concludes with:

Recommended practice parameter:

1. ABA treatment is demonstrated effective in enhancing global functioning in pre-school children with autism when treatment is intensive and carried out by trained therapists
2. ABA treatment is demonstrated effective in enhancing global functioning in children with PDD-NOS

Guideline practice parameter:

1. ABA can be effective for children who are up to 7 years-of-age at intake

Related posts:

1. Comprehensive Synthesis of Early Intensive Behavioral interventions
2. Predicting treatment outcome for children with autism.
3. Behavior intervention for young children with intellectual disability