The Early Start Denver Model

Christina M. Corsello, P. (2015, 10 13). Early Intervention in Autism. Retrieved from theratogs.com: http://theratogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/corsello_18_2.pdf

The Applied Behavioral Analysis model, or (ABA) as it is commonly referred to, has been in practice for many years, touching the lives of many people of all ages, backgrounds, and degrees of the Autism spectrum. As with anything, there is a considerable amount of misinformation projecting a negative view of ABA. These views have questioned the protocol, application, and necessity of the ABA. The following is some information and facts to hopefully make clear what ABA not only does, but what it stands for as a therapy that will continue to help those in need.

The Ontario government is focused on providing effective early interventions for young children with autism (Perry, n.d.). Throughout the years, a substantial amount of research has been done regarding the neuroplasticity and the effectiveness of early intervention in young children (Perry, n.d.). The results of this research have given professionals a greater understanding for a new program directed to young children- which is designed and implemented for children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and some diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) are also eligible (Perry, n.d.). In 1999, $19 million was funded by the Ontario government to be invested in the services of Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI). This specific program is developed for children up to and including the age of 5 years old (Perry, n.d.).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that affects a person’s social interaction and communication. This disorder is mainly characterized by having difficulty with social interaction, communication, and having restricted behaviors. Difficulty with social interaction means someone will struggle to communicate their feelings/emotions, understand how others feel or think, develop peer relationships, and understand nonverbal behaviors (eye gaze, facial expressions, etc). Difficulty with communication will vary among the individual. Some individuals will develop expressive language, while others will not. The speech of those that do develop expressive language will often be repetitive, rote, and lack

Autism spectrum disorders are a class of developmental disorders that impair social skills, behavior, and communication (Center for Disease Control). ASDs are considered ‘spectrum’ disorders because each patient has a unique experience in the nature and severity of their symptoms (Center for Disease Control). Under the umbrella of ASDs, there are three types of disorders, including Autistic disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (Center for Disease Control). Autistic disorder is the most severe of the three, and patients exhibit significant problems with language, communication, and behavior (Center for Disease Control). Furthermore, people with Autistic disorder often have some intellectual impairment (Center for Disease Control). Asperger Syndrome is a milder form of autistic disorder where patients have some developmental delays, but their language and intellect are not affected (Center for Disease Control). The mildest of the ASDs is the pervasive developmental disorder. These patients usually don’t meet all of the criteria for autistic disorder, but do show some signs of social and communication problems (Center for Disease Control). The number of children diagnosed with ASD is growing, and currently 1 in 88 children fall somewhere on the spectrum (Mari-Bauset et al., 2013). Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism, and while the exact cause of these disorders is unknown, both genetic and

Social Constructivism and Discrete Trial/Traditional Behaviorism (DT-TB) are the two major assessment/intervention theoretical approaches to service delivery and autism.

The hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involve marked deficits in social interaction as well as engagement in repetitive behaviors and language difficulties (Leblanc, Richardson, & Warnie, 2005). Although autism can have a profound impact on the capabilities and functioning of the individual, emerging research indicates that applied behavioral analysis (ABA) can be an effective tool for addressing many of the deficits that children with ASD face (Boutot & Myles, 2016). In fact, emerging research indicates that when ABA is utilized for the treatment of young children with ASD many of the challenges faced by this group can be ameliorated (Boutot & Myles, 2016). With these issues in mind the current investigation considers the seven elements of ABA identified by Baer, Wolf, and Risley (1968) in their seminal article on applied behavioral analysis and their application to individuals with ASD. Through a critical review of the seven elements of ABA in relation to ASD it will be possible to illustrate how this approach can be effective for improving outcomes for individuals diagnosed with autism.

On 10/16/2015 while interviewing face to face with Nicole (Christina) Martin, Administration for Early Head Start located at Texarkana Special Education Center at the operation she stated that the caregivers had applied first aid to Nolan and immediately called on walkie talkie to front desk of Early Head Start and spoke to Daniela Salazar that they needed assistance for Nolan as he had fallen while running on the Wellness Trail. Mary Ann Zimmer, LPN from Arkansas Children was contacted and then went to meet the class at the Wellness Trail to get Nolan.

CBS’s mission is to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and autism with the least intrusive methodology to live and work in the least restrictive environment and maximize their potential as constructive members of society. They are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), one to one direct instruction, consultation to parents and school staff, and individual and group workshop trainings. Each child has an individualized program according to the specific needs of the child and family.

Many treatment approaches have developed different ways of dealing with the challenges of autism. First, there is the theory of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which consists of giving a child a specific task, which teaches skills from basic ones to more complex ones, such as social interaction. Children taking this approach, work 30-40 hours a week with a trained professional. (West 66) It may be emotionally difficult for the child, and his/her parents to dedicate so much time, yet it is worth it. However, it has been proven that ABA methods have shown consistent results in teaching new skills and behaviors to children with autism. (West 68)

PRT, however, follows the child’s interests, targeting motivation, response to multiple cues, and self-management (Atwood 37). The motivation strategies are also used in the Early Start Denver Model. ESDM is an early intervention approach incorporating ABA strategies as well as parental involvement and focuses on interpersonal exchange. This model is effective in improving IQ, language ability, and social interaction (“The Early Start Denver Model”).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological disorder that impacts a person’s ability to communicate and form relationships. It is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders in the US. The diagnosis for autism is rising 10-17% each year with an estimated 2 million people diagnosed with the disorder. People who fall under the spectrum have pervasive deficits in social communications and social interactions across multiple contexts. They have repetitive and restrictive patterns of behaviors, activities or interest. The DSM-5 diagnoses this disorder under two different criteria’s: Social communications and social interaction deficits and repetitive behaviors. To meet the criteria an individual must demonstrate all of these

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a form of treatment of children with ASD that uses positive reinforcements . There are several different aspects that go into ABA therapy, which are encouraged by either positive reinforcement or the ability for the child to self-stimulate. There are several aspects of ABA therapy which are play a role in helping each and every child in therapy. The general concept behind ABA therapy is to analysis a child behavior specifically their problem behaviors (Boyd, et al., 2011). A problem behavior can be used by the child to escape the current situation they are in (Carr & Durand, 1985). ABA therapy is designed to help the children learn and avoid problem behaviors. This therapy has three main focuses: Intensive Teaching (IT), Natural Environment (NET), and Chaining (SRI Chains). During IT the child will participate in either note cards or workbooks (Carr & Durand, 1985). IT is what most people think of when talking about ABA therapy. In NET the children will interact with the therapies in fun games and other activites that incoperate some of the aspects they are learning in IT (Carr & Durand, 1985). SRI Chains are used as a form of IT. These chians allow the child

Just as Autism has many different types and variations, so does the methods of treating it. Objective scientific studies have confirmed the benefits of two methods of comprehensive behavioral early intervention. They are the Lovaas Model based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Early Start Denver Model. Parents and therapists also report success with other commonly used behavioral therapies, including Floortime, Pivotal Response Therapy and Verbal Behavior Therapy. (Autism Speaks, 2017)

Autism Spectrum Disorder is not curable but it can be controlled using a certain type of treatments. There are various types of treatments used by parental, caregiver and clinical. The treatments can be separated into behavior and communication approaches, medication and complementary and alternative medicine. Applied behavioral analysis is a treatment approach that is used in many schools and treatment clinics (Foxx, 2008). There are different types of ABA and one of it is early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI). EIBI is the most effective treatment used for young children from birth to 3 years old as the services consist of treatments to assist the child to talk, walk and interact with others (Matson & Goldin, 2014). Discrete trials teaching (DTT) is one of the key teaching methods in EIBI. An efficient approach for teaching children with ASD has been shown by DTT and it plays an important role in language, social and academic skills. DTT has a sequence of discrete learning units that allows the skills to broken down into smaller units when teaching a new skill. DTT consist of three-term possibilities,