Using Behavior Analysis to Examine the Outcomes of Unproven Therapies: An Evaluation of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Children with Autism

Abstract

It has become increasingly common for parents of children with autism to supplement behavior analytic interventions with therapies that have not yet been subjected to adequate scientific scrutiny. When caregivers elect to use unproven therapies despite advice to the contrary, practitioners should employ the methods of applied behavior analysis to experimentally evaluate the outcomes. Controlled evaluations of unproven therapies can be challenging, however, particularly when ongoing behavioral services are supplemented with biomedical interventions. This paper describes the methods and results of a behavior analytic evaluation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, an unproven intervention that has been growing in popularity over the past several years. Three young children with autism participated. No benefits of the therapy were evident beyond those obtained through the behavioral intervention alone. Considerations for conducting this type of research are highlighted, along with suggestions for practitioners. Descriptors: Autism, biomedical interventions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, unproven therapies ABSTRACT T

Social Thinking®: Science, Pseudoscience, or Antiscience?

“…Second, if limited to no rigorous evaluations of the treatment currently exist, discuss this with the client and caution against the use of non-validated treatments. Third, if necessary and possible, research the effectiveness of the treatment utilizing Normand's (2008) approach (e.g., Chok et al 2010;Lerman et al 2008). Finally, disseminate the results for the consumer, scientific, and practitioner communities.…”

“…When confronted by a parent or caregiver seeking a novel or alternative form of treatment, such as Social Thinking®, we recommend following a similar approach outlined by previous research (e.g., Chok et al 2010;Lerman et al 2008;Montee et al 1995). First, closely examine the literature to determine the current level of scientific evidence and, if possible, guide the client to do the same.…”

“…Today, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of interventions for individuals diagnosed with ASD (Freeman 2008;Lerman et al 2008; National Autism Standards 2015; Research Autism Improving the Quality of Life 2015 http://www. researchautism.net/autism-interventions/types), many of which would be considered pseudo-or antiscience (Freeman 2008).…”

An Introduction to the Volume 4, Number 1 of Behavior Analysis in Practice (BAP)

“…James Chok, Derek Reed, Amanda Kennedy, and Frank Bird describe this sort of personalized behavioral analysis of ambient prism lenses, an alternative treatment that has been recommended for addressing problems associated with autism. This empirical investigation will allow the reader to learn about the effects of the lenses for the child included in this investigation, but it will also provide the reader with a good example of how to investigate claims of effectiveness regarding novel treatments (see also Lerman et al, 2008).…”

A case study in the misrepresentation of applied behavior analysis in autism: The gernsbacher lectures

“…See Maurice (2005b) for how to distinguish science from pseudoscience in autism treatment and for warning signs of the latter. See Lerman et al (2008) on using behavior analysis to examine unproven therapies in the context of ABA-EIBI.…”