Cassidy, Roche and O´Hara has published an article proposing a framework that provides a rationale for the construction of interventions to raise IQ as they are measured by traditional intelligence test. This proposes that training skills in derived relational responding through multiple exemplar training can raise IQ-scores. This article is published in European Journal of Behavior Analysis (2010).
In this article the authors by using relational frame theory (RTF) to decompose the minimalistic construct of intelligence to its component behavior and identify the environment – behavior relations involved. And based on this, it may be that a small variety of arbitrary relations in combination may be sufficient to yield the full gamut of cognitive skills associated with the term intelligence.
Based on the position that relational responding and cognitive abilities may be functionally related the authors deconstruct IQ test to identify the generalized behaviors that are measured. They provide examples from several relational frames or types of relational responding; i.e. Coordination, opposition, etc. and the combinations of those.
And by referring to not yet published research showing interventions to raise IQ-scores the state:
MET involves training children in core relational skills, such as deriving relations in accordance with a wide variety of relational frames and across a vary large number of exemplars. Once such component relational skills are established and sufficiently generalized across novels stimulus sets, a child should be able to respond appropriately to an almost infinite number of similar relational tasks. Consequently, their ability to respond appropriately to the relational task presented in common IQ tests should be enhanced.
Researchers from the University of Rochester have conducted a randimozed controll study on GFCF diett and preschool children with autism. Andaccording to the researchers this is the bestcontrolled diet study in autism to date. And this study showed no effect of elimination diett on childrens behavior, sleep or bowel patters.
This study also controlled for other interventions, and all children recieved EIBI during the study.is to ensure the measurement of diett effects. Althougt this study showed no effect, this do not rule our the possibililty that som groups of children with autism will benefit from dietary changes.
Link to Science Daily
Wellspring runs a blog where they frequently publish ineresting issues on autism and applied behavior analysis, both for families and professionals.
In their most recent blog post they have published some good tips for parents, so I stongly recommend visiting their blog, Wellspring blog
Boyd, Odom, Humphreys and Sam have published a special article in this issue of Journal of Early Intervention discussing early warning signs for autism spectrum disorders and highlights appropriate focused interventions and comprehensive treatment models.
In their discussion of early warnings signs the authors provides a comprehensive review of research done in the field of early signs of autism and autism spectrum disorder. And in this discussion also highlights some of the most widely used screening tools, and diagnostic tools.
In their exploration of interventions for infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorders, they build on current knowledge on evidence based practice for preschool children with ASD, but highlights the interventions designed or explicitly adapted for infants and toddlers with ASD.
The authors conclude by pointing out the challenges of lack of scientific data on interventions for infants and toddlers, and points out that while additional interventions emerge, professionals should use their wisdom in selecting and adopting interventions effective for older children with autism spectrum disorders.
Link to the article.
The great free resource to applied behavior analysis and language, The Journal of Speech -Language Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis has published a new issue. As all other issues this is free, and can be downloaded from the BAO website.
This issue contains some really interesting articles, and are a must for all dealing with language and behavior analysis.
