An investigation to choose the proper therapy technique in the management of autism spectrum disorder

Aim: Autism spectrum disorder is a class of neurological disorders that affect the development of brain functions. This study aims to evaluate, compare and rank the therapy techniques used in the management of autism spectrum disorder using multicriteria decision-making approaches. Materials & methods: Fuzzy PROMETHEE and fuzzy TOPSIS approaches were used. Fuzzy PROMETHEE utilizes a pair-wise comparison of alternatives under the fuzzy environment while fuzzy TOPSIS utilizes geometric distance from the positive ideal solution under the fuzzy environment for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the alternatives.The techniques selected for evaluation are applied behavioral analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy, speech therapy and pharmacological therapy such as Risperidone and Aripiprazole. Criteria used in this study include efficacy, cost and side effects, and their weights are assigned based on specific patient conditions. Results: The results indicate that applied behavioral analysis, cognitive behavioral therapy and speech therapy are the most preferred techniques, followed by Aripiprazole and Risperidone. Conclusion: More criteria could be considered and the weights could be assigned according to the patient profile.

Semiotic Stalemate: Resisting Restraint and Seclusion through Guattari’s Micropolitics of Desire

This article explores the semiotic relationships between Applied Behavior Analysis research, special education practice and restraint and seclusion policy by tracing the evolution of the concept of “self-restraint,” —a term from Behavior Analytic literature for a variety of “behaviors” in which a person restricts their own movement. I trace how “self-restraint” emerges as a new class of behaviors eligible for intervention, and how this marks certain bodies for restrictive practices such as restraint, seclusion and the use of aversives. I explore how rhetorical moves shape the educational landscape of disabled students and expose mechanisms of control that are shaped by scholarship. By using “self-restraint” as an example, I respond to the taxonomies of deficit disseminated through Applied Behavioral Analysis in schooling for neurodivergent students and make critical links between special education practice and Disability Studies in Education.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Framework for Integrative Pediatric Medicine

Autism spectrum disorders are complex, diverse neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders that are characterized by the presence of impaired social communication with restricted stereotypical patterns of behavior and interests. The cause remains elusive and multifactorial, including a sophisticated interplay of genetics and environmental factors. Standard treatment options are limited to behavioral therapies, including applied behavioral analysis, and pharmacological treatment for significant behaviors such as aggression. Families are increasingly turning to alternative medical practices for support in managing their children’s care. By using an integrative medical model with a focus on investigating for and treating underlying inflammation and oxidative stress, integrative practitioners can help families navigate the complex world of autism management and treatment.

Διαταραχή Αυτιστικού Φάσματος- Μια μελέτη περίπτωσης

Η Διαταραχή Αυτιστικού Φάσματος (ΔΑΦ) είναι μία εγκεφαλική διαταραχή, οργανικής αιτιολογίας που αφορά διαταραχές και ελλείματα στην κοινωνικοποίηση, τη λεκτική και μη λεκτική επικοινωνία και των περιορισμένων και επαναληπτικών μοτίβων συμπεριφοράς, λόγω περιορισμένης δημιουργικής φαντασίας. Η παρούσα εργασία αποτελεί μελέτη ενός παιδιού το οποίο είναι 13 ετών και βρίσκεται στο φάσμα του αυτισμού. Ο μαθητής Χ αντιμετωπίζει ποικίλα προβλήματα, συμπεριλαμβάνοντας προβλήματα συμπεριφοράς, κοινωνικότητας και επικοινωνίας. Σκοπός αυτής της εργασίας είναι να αναδειχθούν οι μέθοδοι παρέμβασης, προβάλλοντας ταυτόχρονα τα υπέρ και τα κατά και εν τέλει να καθοδηγήσουν κάθε εμπλεκόμενο και ενδιαφερόμενο σε νέους δρόμους με θετικά αποτελέσματα. Υπάρχουν ποικίλες παιδαγωγικές προσεγγίσεις και πρακτικές που μπορούν να εφαρμοσθούν για να βοηθήσουν τα παιδιά που βρίσκονται στο φάσμα του αυτισμού. Ωστόσο πριν την εφαρμογή οποιασδήποτε μεθόδου και προσέγγισης, είναι σημαντικό να γίνει έγκαιρη διάγνωση και σωστή αξιολόγηση. Στη συγκεκριμένη περίπτωση μαθητή το πρόγραμμα που χρησιμοποιήθηκε ήταν αυτό της Εφαρμοσμένης Ανάλυσης Συμπεριφοράς (Applied Behavioral Analysis- A.B.A) που στοχεύει στην εξάλειψη των ανεπιθύμητων συμπεριφορών και στην ενίσχυση των επιθυμητών συμπεριφορών.

E-books for children with autism: Best read alone or with a therapist?

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) seemingly prefer tablets to other methods of intervention, though professionals posit that a therapist’s presence is beneficial. In this experiment, two unique e-stories were created specifically for children with ASD. Ten children with low- or nonverbal ASD heard each story presented on an iPad; one narrated through the iPad, and one read by a therapist trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). The within-participants design enabled researchers to measure the individual benefit of each type of story reading. After hearing each book, participants were tested on their comprehension via multiple choice, sequencing, and open-ended questions. Results indicated that the ideal condition for these young children with low- and nonverbal ASD was the therapist-read condition. These findings suggest that simple stories presented on a rewarding platform, with the minimally intrusive assistance of a therapist, provide young, verbally-challenged children with ASD with a foundation for receiving the benefits of shared storybook reading.

APPLIED BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS THERAPY IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PRACTICE

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is an appropriate and scientifically based approach for individuals with different types of handicap. This paper focuses on the brief characteristics of the applied behavioral analysis and also presents the varied use of applied behavioral analysis in special pedagogy. Describing the individually developed ABA educational plans for a participant with autism, the authors point to the effectiveness of intervention based on applied behavioral analysis. For the collection of research data case studies, applied behavioral analysis methods, and participatory observations were used. The obtained data was processed by qualitative analysis. The results confirm the positive results obtained through ABA intervention, especially in the field of communication and behaviour.