Challenges Parents Face in Applying Behavioural Interventions

[michelleuws]

I have worked as an ABA Therapist for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and am currently completing a Masters of Clinical Psychology. As part of this degree I am completing a research thesis investigating the challenges parents face in adhering to behavioural intervention strategies- I learnt during ABA Therapy that it is not always easy at times!

The study is an online survey of parents/caregivers of a child on the Autism Spectrum. It aims to help identify what behavioural intervention strategies parents find most difficult to apply and why. This information may help clinicians work more effectively with both parents and their children in managing challenges in following behavioural interventions. The study is confidential and completely voluntary, and takes no more than 30 minutes to complete.

To participate, participants must be a parent or caregiver of a child with an Austism Spectrum Disorder, and have been given behavioural intervention strategies to follow (e.g. as part of an early intervention program, from a psychologist).

If you are interested in participating in this important research, the link to complete the survey is: Facilitating Behavioural Recommendations

I appreciate how limited your time is and thank you kindly to those who consider participating in this study. Your help is very much appreciated and beneficial.

For further information please contact me by sending an email to 17825128@ student.uws.edu.au

Michelle

 

[Ylva]

You will find that people on here are generally against ABA. But maybe you would care to tell us how it is not like dog training? And don't say "because it is used on humans".

If you find things like stimming threatening, or feel ignored because someone listens instead of just looking like they are listening, maybe autism isn't the thing you should be working with.

 

[Mattymatt]

You will find that people on here are generally against ABA. But maybe you would care to tell us how it is not like dog training? And don't say "because it is used on humans".

If you find things like stimming threatening, or feel ignored because someone listens instead of just looking like they are listening, maybe autism isn't the thing you should be working with.

I apologize about being so vociferous against this but I don't see the Applied Behavior Analysis working. As the previous poster notes, this is not Pavlovian dog training. Human social interactions are far more complex than a dog's. Not all social situations are the same and a good behavior in one situation may be the exact opposite in another. For example: In some situations, it is inappropriate to express sympathy for a friend or relative that has lost a loved one and in others it is very appropriate and would be rude not to. If you reward someone for expressing sympathy, they may make the very logical conclusion that this is the socially acceptable way to conduct themselves. Then this person is left confused, bewildered, and hurt when they try to apply that behavior to a situation where the behavior might not be socially acceptable.

I never know when it is acceptable to express sympathy or not so I learned to follow the lead of others. If I see other people doing it, then it is appropriate and okay. Why not teach about the powers of listening and observation? The very best advice I have EVER received was to be a good, active listener and watch what other people say and the associated reactions. Once I started doing this, I became much more at ease navigating the neurotypical world.

 

[Mattymatt]

I must admit I'm a bit shocked at the lack of response from the original poster. Normally, I don't get up on my high horse but I don't appreciate research solicitations on a forum dedicated to ASD support. While I am happy to further research, there are more appropriate forums for recruiting research subjects. I may be wrong but most folks on here don't want to be "studied." We are seeking moral support from fellow human beings on the spectrum and those that might suspect that they are on the spectrum. This has been reported.