New journal article comparing intensity AND type of programming--IBT/ABA vs eclectic

[Guest guest]

**crosspost**

This is a SIGNIFICANT and important paper IMO.

Unfortunately if you want the entire journal article, there is a download fee

from the publisher. If you are associated with an academic institution or

otherwise have an institutional subscription to the journal, the download might

be free.

Regina F.

Research in Developmental Disabilities

Volume 26, Issue 4 , July-August 2005, Pages 359-383

Jane S. a, b, , , Coleen R. Sparkmanb, G. Cohenc, Greend and

Harold Stanislawa

aCalifornia State University, Stanislaus, Psychology Department, 801 W. Monte

Vista Avenue, Turlock, CA 95382, USA

bThe Kendall School, Modesto, CA 95354, USA

cValley Mountain Regional Center, Stockton, CA 95269, USA

dUniversity of North Texas and San Diego State University, San Diego, USA

Received 25 June 2004; revised 5 September 2004; accepted 12 September 2004.

Available online 23 February 2005.

Abstract

We compared the effects of three treatment approaches on preschool-age children

with autism spectrum disorders. Twenty-nine children received intensive behavior

analytic intervention (IBT; 1:1 adult:child ratio, 25–40 h per week). A

comparison group (n = 16) received intensive “eclectic” intervention (a

combination of methods, 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, 30 h per week) in public special

education classrooms (designated the AP group). A second comparison group (GP)

comprised 16 children in non-intensive public early intervention programs (a

combination of methods, small groups, 15 h per week). Independent examiners

administered standardized tests of cognitive, language, and adaptive skills to

children in all three groups at intake and about 14 months after treatment

began. The groups were similar on key variables at intake. At follow-up, the IBT

group had higher mean standard scores in all skill domains than the AP and GP

groups. The differences were statistically significant for all domains

except motor skills. There were no statistically significant differences

between the mean scores of the AP and GP groups. Learning rates at follow-up

were also substantially higher for children in the IBT group than for either of

the other two groups. These findings are consistent with other research showing

that IBT is considerably more efficacious than “eclectic” intervention.

" The idea is to try to give all the information

to help others to judge the value of your contribution;

not just the information that leads to judgment

in one particular direction or another "

Feynman

ABA rules. Regina F.