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Relation of behavioral treatment to "normal functioning": comment on Lovaas
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
This commentary critiques the Lovaas (1987) study on intensive behavioral intervention for autistic children. Methodological flaws in outcome measures, subject selection, and control group assignment prevent determining the intervention's true effects.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Critique of the Lovaas (1987) study examining intensive behavioral intervention (IBI) for young autistic children.
- Focus on the methodological rigor and validity of the original study's findings.
- Examination of early interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Discussion:
- Analysis of the chosen outcome measures, questioning their suitability for assessing IBI effectiveness in autistic children.
- Review of subject selection criteria and intellectual level considerations, highlighting potential biases.
- Critique of the control group assignment methodology, assessing its impact on results.
Key Insights:
- Significant methodological limitations identified in the Lovaas (1987) study.
- Inconsistencies in outcome measures, subject criteria, and control group allocation obscure definitive conclusions.
- The available data is insufficient to ascertain the actual effects of the intensive behavioral intervention.
Outlook:
- Need for more robust research designs in autism intervention studies.
- Emphasis on standardized and validated outcome measures for behavioral interventions.
- Importance of transparent subject selection and control group assignment in clinical research.