Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
09:13
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
17.4K
Summer Treatment Program Improves Behavior of Children with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
Elisabeth Sheridan Mitchell1, Sylvie Mrug, Cryshelle S Patterson
1Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, HMB 195, 1720 Second Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA, esm9015@med.cornell.edu.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|December 16, 2014
Summary
A 6-week behavioral summer program significantly improved social behaviors in boys with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). The intensive treatment showed efficacy in addressing functional impairments and problem behaviors associated with HFASD.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- High-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) presents chronic functional impairments and behavioral challenges.
- Effective, intensive interventions are needed to support children with HFASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of a 6-week behavioral summer treatment program for children with HFASD.
- To assess improvements in social and behavioral functioning during the program.
Main Methods:
- Twenty boys diagnosed with HFASD (mean age 9.2 years) participated.
- Daily behavioral data on social behaviors were collected over 6 weeks.
- Repeated measures ANOVAs analyzed weekly behavior frequencies.
Main Results:
- Substantial improvements were observed in following activity rules.
- Increased contribution to group discussions and improved attention were noted.
- A significant reduction in complaining and whining behaviors was documented.
Conclusions:
- The behavioral summer treatment program demonstrates potential efficacy for HFASD.
- Intensive behavioral interventions can effectively address functional impairments in children with HFASD.
- This program offers a viable approach for managing associated problem behaviors.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
2.0K
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
2.0K
01:26Modeling in Therapy
767
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
767
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
690
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
690
01:22Behavior Therapy
1.0K
Behavior therapy incorporates diverse techniques rooted in classical conditioning principles to address maladaptive behaviors and anxiety disorders. These methods aim to reduce avoidance behaviors, foster adaptive coping mechanisms, and alter associations between stimuli and responses, making them effective in a wide range of therapeutic contexts.
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
1.0K
01:21Behavior Modification
977
Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
977
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
948
Treatment approaches for psychological disorders fall into three main categories: psychological, biological, and sociocultural. Each approach targets different aspects of mental health, requiring varying levels of education and training.
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
948