Applied Behavior Analysis is a Science and, Therefore, Progressive

Abstract

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a science and, therefore, involves progressive approaches and outcomes. In this commentary we argue that the spirit and the method of science should be maintained in order to avoid reductionist procedures, stifled innovation, and rote, unresponsive protocols that become increasingly removed from meaningful progress for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We describe this approach as progressive. In a progressive approach to ABA, the therapist employs a structured yet flexible process, which is contingent upon and responsive to child progress. We will describe progressive ABA, contrast it to reductionist ABA, and provide rationales for both the substance and intent of ABA as a progressive scientific method for improving conditions of social relevance for individuals with ASD.

Children who screen positive for autism at 2.5 years and receive early intervention: a prospective naturalistic 2-year outcome study

“…This is in accordance with the finding from a previous Swedish study, ie, type and intensity of intervention were not decisive for adaptive functioning outcome 22. However, this is somewhat in contrast to a review by Leaf et al34 highlighting the effects of early intensive behavioral intervention with regard to meaningful outcomes.…”

“…This manual-based program provides a curriculum of imitation as learning-how-to-learn-skills, social skills, play, communication, language, and academic skills 34. The supervisors are responsible for creating individual plans based on each student’s unique individual needs34 and use written exercises to support parents and preschool teachers. Data collection was made weekly with a view to increase naturalistic training possibilities and the child’s need of support in 1:1 training.…”

An Evaluation of Positional Prompts for Teaching Receptive Identification to Individuals Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Upward movement indicates fading to a less assistive prompt, while downward movement indicates moving to a more assistive prompt interventionists from making needed adjustments to the prompt level based on the participants' behavior in the moment. Researchers have previously argued for the use of more flexible prompting systems which may result in better learning (Leaf et al, 2014b(Leaf et al, , 2016. For prompts to be successfully faded, different learners may require individualized fading steps and future researchers may examine potential predictors for when prompts should be faded quickly or more slowly.…”

“…Praise was selected because it had been demonstrated to be an effective reinforcer during clinical sessions. Moreover, conditioning social praise as a reinforcer was part of all of the participants' daily programming (Leaf et al, 2016). The names of the stimuli were not provided during feedback.…”

Applied Behavior Analysis in Autism Spectrum Disorders in China and Hong Kong

“…Clearly, there is room for behavioral-based intervention and ABA in the treatment of ASD in China and Hong Kong. In a recent commentary, Leaf et al [14] argue that ABA, being a science, is progressive, and thus allows for flexibility. While not addressed explicitly in their commentary, it is suggested herein that this flexibility would allow for the use of ABA across cultures, enabling its fit into individual cultures, while still adhering to the central tenets of the intervention (e.g., empiricism, data collection).…”