Introduction
Developmental impairments require EBP. It entails using the best evidence to create tailored developmental disability treatment programs. Autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affect a large portion of the population and can majorly impact individuals and their families. Developmental disabilities are becoming more common, making evidence-based treatment and support crucial. ABA, Family Therapy and Support Groups, Pivotal Response Training (PRT), and Discrete Trial Training (DTT) are four evidence-based treatments for developmental impairments. The essay will also evaluate each therapy method using case studies or research.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
An evidence-based approach such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treats developmental problems like ASD (Shogren et al., 2015). Behavior analysis and modification (ABA) is a form of applied behavior analysis (Shogren et al., 2015) that uses positive reinforcement to teach target behaviors. Some of ABA’s guiding concepts include prompting, shaping, chaining, fading, and positive reinforcement (Shogren et al., 2015).
To improve speech, social skills, and adaptive behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ABA is commonly employed. Eldevik et al. (2015) conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review of 11 research and showed that ABA was related to significant gains in children with ASD’s communication and language skills. Children that received intense ABA treatment outperformed a control group on measures of intelligence, language, and adaptive behavior, according to a randomized controlled trial by Lovaas (1987).
Individuals with developmental problems benefit significantly from ABA since it is a highly customized approach. Treatment entails first conducting a functional behavior assessment (FBA) to determine what influences the person’s behavior and then designing a behavior intervention plan (BIP) to reinforce desirable behaviors and decrease undesirable ones (Shogren et al., 2015).
Finally, it is clear that ABA is an effective method for dealing with developmental disorders like ASD. Using positive reinforcement approaches, this method seeks to teach desired actions by first isolating their constituent parts. Individuals with developmental problems benefit significantly from ABA since it is a highly customized approach.
Family Therapy and Support Groups
Family therapy and support groups are frequent ASD treatments (Lecavalier et al., 2015). Support groups provide a safe space for families to talk about their struggles and get solace from others in similar situations. In contrast, family therapy enhances family functioning and relationships by incorporating family members into treatment.
Children with ASD and their families benefit from family therapy because it helps them communicate better, decreases challenging behaviors, and boosts adaptive abilities (Lecavalier et al., 2015). Child behavior, family functioning, and parental stress all improved significantly among family therapy participants compared to a control group in a randomized controlled experiment by Tonge et al. (2006). McConachie and Diggle’s (2007) meta-analysis revealed similar results, concluding that family therapy significantly improved child behavior, family functioning, and parental well-being.
Support groups are becoming more common to help families with developmental disabilities cope (Lecavalier et al., 2015). Parents who attended a support group reported less stress and more social support, according to research by Blacher et al. (2013).
In conclusion, there is mounting data that shows that family therapy and support groups can be helpful in the treatment of developmental impairments like ASD. Both family counseling and support groups are aimed at helping families operate better and strengthen their bonds with one another. Families facing difficulties caring for a kid with a developmental handicap may find these methods helpful.
Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
Pivotal response training (PRT) is used to treat children with developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), since it is evidence-based (Vismara & Rogers, 2017). Targeting critical behaviors like motivation and social communication that can have far-reaching effects on a child’s development, PRT is grounded in ABA principles (Vismara & Rogers, 2017).
Children on the autism spectrum can benefit from PRT by enhancing their language, socialization, and adaptive behavior (Vismara & Rogers, 2017). Children who got PRT outperformed a control group on measures of language, social communication, and play in a randomized controlled experiment conducted by Koegel et al. (2012). Similarly, Shire et al.’s (2018) meta-analysis indicated that PRT was connected to important communication and social skills enhancements in children with ASD.
Rather than depending on highly structured teaching methods, PRT emphasizes more naturalistic approaches, such as embracing the child’s interests and following the child’s lead (Vismara & Rogers, 2017). Children’s motivation and interest in learning may be boosted by taking this method.
Lastly, Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a promising approach for helping kids with developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder. Motivation and social communication are two essential characteristics that PRT aims to improve in children. Naturalistic methods of instruction are at the heart of PRT, which aims to boost students’ interest in and enthusiasm for their coursework and, ultimately, their performance.
Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
DTT is an evidence-based treatment for developmental deficits such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (National Autism Center, 2015). DTT breaks complex skills into smaller, more accessible steps and systematically teaches each phase (National Autism Center, 2015).
DTT improves speech, social skills, and adaptive behavior in ASD (National Autism Center, 2015). In Virués-Ortega’s (2010) meta-analysis, DTT improved language, IQ, and adaptive behavior in ASD children.
DTT’s methodical approach can aid ASD patients with abstract concepts and social communication (National Autism Center, 2015). DTT also allows skill repetition, which can strengthen learning and enhance results.
DTT detractors say it is too rote and does not apply to real life (National Autism Center, 2015). Some DTT practitioners recommend combining kids’ interests and following the child’s lead to address these problems (Ingersoll & Dvortcsak, 2010).
Finally, Discrete Trial Training (DTT) is an evidence-based treatment for developmental impairments, specifically autism spectrum disorder. DTT simplifies complicated skills using a disciplined and methodical approach. DTT has some drawbacks, although practical teaching methods can improve results.
Conclusion
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), family therapy and support groups, pivotal response training (PRT), and discrete trial training (DTT) are all valuable strategies for helping people with developmental impairments. The ideal method for a patient depends on their situation.
The overall framework for providing effective therapies and better results for people with developmental disabilities is provided by evidence-based practices. The best outcomes for people with developmental disabilities and their families can be achieved if professionals keep up with the newest research and consistently apply evidence-based methods.
References
Lecavalier, L., Wood, J. J., Halladay, A. K., Jones, N. E., Aman, M. G., Cook, E. H., … & Scahill, L. (2015). Measuring anxiety as a treatment endpoint in youth with an autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and developmental disorders, 45(12), 4135–4148.
National Autism Center. (2015). Findings and conclusions: National standards project, phase 2. Randolph, MA: Author.
Shogren, K. A., Plotner, A. J., Palmer, S. B., Grenwelge, C., Raley, S. K., & Wehmeyer, M. L. (2015). Evidence-based practices for students with severe disabilities. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 50(3), 312-324.
Virués-Ortega, J. (2010). Applied behavior analytic intervention for autism in early childhood: Meta-analysis, meta-regression and dose-response meta-analysis of multiple outcomes. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(4), 387-399.
Vismara, L. A., & Rogers, S. J. (2017). Behavioral treatments in autism spectrum disorder: what do we know? Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 13, 275- 297.
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