Current trends in behavioral interventions for children with autism

This chapter focuses on behavioral interventions involving skill acquisition for children and adolescents with autism over the last 12 years. Literature and outcome data are reviewed with respect to three categories: language, social skills, and self-management. Generalization of results is somewhat problematic, as all of the interventions discussed consist of relatively small sample sizes and utilize single case design methodology. However, expansion and refinement of research methodology over the last decade, with more researchers replicating previous studies, may make broader application of research findings possible.