Examining the Effects of Discrete Trials, Mass Trials, and Naturalistic Environment Training on Autistic Individuals Using Repeated Measures

Abstract

Introduction: Behavioral interventions based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) form current evidencebased practices in treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research is scarce relative to the broad effects of intensive repetitive, discrete trial training, and mass trials combined with a naturalistic environment as measured by overall general target behaviors. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mixed behavioral model consisting of discrete trial training and mass trial interventions in the naturalistic environment, using a repeated measures design with a retrospective snapshot cohort of 93 individuals with autism. Methods: A repeated measures analysis tracked 89 autistic children with four adult autistic individuals over seven time points during a three-month snapshot period from March 19, 2023, to June 11, 2023. This study determined the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis (ABA) interventions combining discrete trial training, mass trials, and naturalistic environment training on mastered broad target behaviors in autistic individuals using a mixed (between and within) ANOVA statistical design.Results: Mixed (between and within) ANOVA indicated overall statistical significance, F (6,674)=45.447, p<0.001, partial eta squared=0.365 across time. These results indicated a large effect size. Multiple comparisons showed statistical significance (p<0.001) on all 21 multiple comparisons between timepoints. There was also a significant interaction effect with time × age category, F (24,474)=2.961, p<0.001, partial eta squared=0.130. These results also indicated a large effect size.Conclusions: Autistic individuals who received applied behavior analysis combining discrete trial training, mass trials, and naturalistic environment training intervention demonstrated statistically significant improvement in target behaviors over the three-month snapshot period, the most prominent being in the 13-16 years age category.

An Internal Consistency Reliability Study of the Catalyst Datafinch Applied Behavior Analysis Data Collection Application With Autistic Individuals

“…Four datasets were extracted (n=100, n=98, n=103, n=62) from previously published studies at The Oxford Center, Brighton and Troy, MI [23][24][25][26], ranging from March 19, 2023, through January 8, 2024, using Catalyst Datafinch as the data collection tool. All data were gathered by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and behavioral technicians and designed to replicate how practitioners collect traditional paper and pencil data.…”

“…General target mastery data were collected daily by a team of multiple (three to five) behavioral technicians per child for 100 individuals with autism via retrospective chart reviews [23]. Behavior analysts administered a mixed model of discrete trial training, mass trials, and naturalistic environment treatment for three months between March 19, 2023, and June 11, 2023.…”

“…Data were obtained at two-week intervals for seven time points (baseline, two weeks, four weeks, six weeks, eight weeks, 10 weeks, and 12 weeks). General target mastery data were collected for 89 children and four adults, with seven missing values [23]. Behavior technicians assigned to specific autistic individuals used real-time data-stamping procedures to enter data the second the behavior was observed.…”

“…The behavior technician created an operational definition for the problem behavior and selected continuous (frequency, duration) measurement systems using a portable electronic device (an iPad; Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA). Researchers then accessed those data online for analysis and reporting [23].…”

“…Four subjects were over 17 years old, i.e., 18 years, 20 years, 25 years, and 73 years. There were seven missing values [23].…”