Parents' experiences of applied behaviour analysis (ABA)-based interventions for children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder

Catherine Mcphilemy, Karola Dillenburger*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)
3081 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Applied behaviour analysis (ABA)-based programmes are endorsed as the gold standard for treatment of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in most of North America. This is not the case in most of Europe, where instead a non-specified 'eclectic' approach is adopted. We explored the social validity of ABA-based interventions with 15 European families who had experience with home-based, mainly self-managed, ABA-based programmes for their own child/ren with ASD. The results of the study highlighted the overwhelmingly positive impact that ABA-based interventions had on their children in areas such as social skills, challenging behaviour, communication, gross and fine motor skills, concentration, interaction, independence, overall quality of life and, most importantly, a feeling of hope for the future. Implications for European policy on ASD are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)154-161
Number of pages8
JournalBritish Journal of Special Education
Volume40
Issue number4
Early online date17 Dec 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2013

Bibliographical note

based on McPhilamy MSc dissertation supervised by Dillenburger, K. (2013).

Keywords

  • Applied behaviour analysis
  • Autism
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Parent

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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