Áhrif atferlismeðferðar á ung börn með einhverfu

Abstract

Longitudinal studies have shown that the majority of those diagnosed with autism has a considerable life-long handicap. Advances in therapy, during the last decade, have given hope that the prognosis may be influenced to a considerable degree. Research on early behavioral intervention of children with autism has gained much attention. Best known is the study of Lovaas and his associates (Lovaas, 1987; McEachin, Smith and Lovaas, 1993) which showed that almost half of the children in an experimental group, who received intensive and comprehensive behavioral treatment achieved normal functioning. These results are discussed here in the light of the criticism that has been directed towards the study, as well as the results of other related studies in this field, in an attempt to answer if behavioral treatment can indeed promote better outcome for these children than has been thought possible. Conclusions are drawn about conditions that must be met in order to promote optimal result with behavioral intervention of children with autism.