Best Behaviour Consulting is partnering with Behaviour Analyst, Elizabeth Sparling, B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed. to develop a research study comparing parental stress levels and treatment fidelity in home-based vs. centre-based early intervention programs.

Our study seeks to examine the impact of intensive early intervention services on parental stress by comparing stress levels of parents whose children with ASD are participating in: home-base intervention, center-based intervention with those on waitlists for service. Current research shows a correlation between parental adherence to programming and autism symptomatology. Other research shows that autism symptomatology is correlated with parental stress. Our study seeks to uncover whether parental involvement via different types of ABA intervention impacts the level of parental stress.

Based of the findings of our study, we hope to develop several resources: a parental resource booklet and consultant recommendations guidelines. Our ultimate outcome of this study is to improve the long term prognosis for children diagnosed with ASD.

Autism Romania invited Best Behaviour Consulting and Elizabeth Sparling, B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Ed. to present intensive educational training in applied behaviour analysis ( ABA) to parents and professionals during the summer of 2005.

We successfully trained psychologists and other professionals, a medical doctor and many keen parents. Our training topics included:

• Introduction to autism spectrum disorders
• Basic principles of applied behaviour analysis ( ABA)
• Functional assessments
• Data collection
• Positive reinforcement
• Punishment
• Reducing problem behaviours with reinforcement
• Generalization and maintenance
• Full inclusion
• Supportive employment
• Sensory extinction
• Picture Exchange Communication System ( PECS)
• Early intervention
• Social stories
• Relaxation training

During the final week, participants chose one of two centres to work at, and in pairs, were linked with a young child with autism. Participants completed a functional assessment. Additionally, some conducted a functional analysis. Participants interviewed parents and/or centre staff, completed direct observation and developed two behaviour programs, one to increase an adaptive skill and a second to reduce a problem behaviour by replacing it with a more socially appropriate alternative. Participants delivered oral presentations on the final day.

Both Elizabeth and I hope to support the autism community in Romania in the future.

A few pictures from our trip. Click on the pic for a larger image...

 

Nicholas and Liz leave Vancouver for Romania.

 

Nicholas reviews the basic principles of behaviour.

 

 

Liz presents some problems associated with the use of punishment.