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Journal of autism and developmental disorders
Feb, 2016;46 (2): 720-31.

Applied Behavior Analysis is a Science and, Therefore, Progressive.

Justin B Leaf, Ronald Leaf, John McEachin, Mitchell Taubman, Shahla Ala'i-Rosales, Robert K Ross, Tristram Smith, Mary Jane Weiss
Author Information
  1. Justin B Leaf: Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA. Jblautpar@aol.com.
  2. Ronald Leaf: Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
  3. John McEachin: Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
  4. Mitchell Taubman: Autism Partnership Foundation, 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, CA, 90740, USA.
  5. Shahla Ala'i-Rosales: University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA.
  6. Robert K Ross: Beacon ABA Services, Milford, MA, USA.
  7. Tristram Smith: University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
  8. Mary Jane Weiss: Endicott College, Beverly, MA, USA.
PMID: 26373767 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2591-6

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.

Keywords

Applied behavior analysis Behavioral intervention Discrete trial teaching Functional analysis

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MeSH Term

Adolescent
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Behavior Therapy
Child
Early Intervention, Educational
Humans
Journal Article
Article has an altmetric score of 9

Word Cloud

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