Monday, November 30, 2009

NEWS: Pediatrics Article Reports Positive Results of Intervention Model for Toddlers with ASD

A story being reported on by  CNN, and  Time, as well as other media outlets in reference to the newly published (November 30) Pediatrics article,

Dawson, G., Rogers, S., Munson, J., Smith, M., Winter, J., Greenson, J., et. al. (2009). Randomized, controlled trial of an intervention for toddlers with autism: The Early Start Denver Model. Pediatrics, Published online November 30, 2009
(doi:10.1542/ peds.2009- 0958)

Link to the abstract; purchase required for full access.

"Objective  To conduct a randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a comprehensive developmental behavioral intervention, for improving outcomes of toddlers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods: Forty-eight children diagnosed with ASD between 18 and 30 months of age were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: (1) ESDM intervention, which is based on developmental and applied behavioral analytic principles and delivered by trained therapists and parents for 2 years; or (2) referral to community providers for intervention commonly available in the community.

Results: Compared with children who received community-intervention, children who received ESDM showed significant improvements in IQ, adaptive behavior, and autism diagnosis. Two years after entering intervention, the ESDM group on average improved 17.6 standard score points (1 SD: 15 points) compared with 7.0 points in the comparison group relative to baseline scores. The ESDM group maintained its rate of growth in adaptive behavior compared with a normative sample of typically developing children. In contrast, over the 2-year span, the comparison group showed greater delays in adaptive behavior. Children who received ESDM also were more likely to experience a change in diagnosis from autism to pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified, than the comparison group.

Conclusions: This is the first randomized, controlled trial to demonstrate the efficacy of a comprehensive developmental behavioral intervention for toddlers with ASD for improving cognitive and adaptive behavior and reducing severity of ASD diagnosis. Results of this study underscore the importance of early detection of and intervention in autism."
Two of the authors of the study are from University of Washington Autism Center, Center on Human Development and Disability, and the Department of Speech and Hearing Science, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon.

The main significances are the very young ages of the enrolled children and the experimental design of RCT; it should be noted that some need for longitudinal followup to see if gains are maintained is discussed in the last paragraph of the full study, and that while 7 of the 24 student treatment group improved to PDD-NOS classification, 2 of the students in the treatment group moved from PDD to an Autistic Disorder diagnosis as well during the course of the study. The overall effect described for the treatment group was of significant benefit compared to the "community based" comparison group and spoke to a potential general benefit of early application of ESDM at the intensity and competency of service delivery as described in the Pediatrics article.

Two quotes from the newsreporting,
CNN: "...[Sally] Rogers acknowledges that this study is only the first step. "Every piece of science needs to be replicated before it becomes fact, so we are currently doing a replication study," she said...."

Time: "...Whether the Early Start Denver Model will prove to be more effective than other therapies remains to be seen. Leading autism researcher Tristram Smith, an ABA expert at the University of Rochester, who lauds the new study for its methodological rigor, notes that the gains made by children in the intervention group were similar to those reported in studies of ABA models. "I do think there is a need for head-to-head studies," says Smith. Also needed is high-quality research on how to match individual children with the therapy that suits them best."

Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers. 


ANNOUNCE: The Analysis of Verbal Behavior (TAVB) now archived at Pubmed Central!


Joining the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA), the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB) and The Behavior Analyst - The Analysis of Verbal Behavior (TAVB) volumes 1-22 (1982-2006) are now available in open access archive at Pubmed Central.
From the description at the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), website,
The annual issue of The Analysis of Verbal Behavior is for the original publication of experimental or theoretical papers relevant to a behavioral analysis of verbal behavior. Topics include: elementary verbal operants, multiple control, rule-governed behavior, epistemology, language acquisition, pedagogy, verbal behavior research methodology, and others.


Related post:
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
ANNOUNCE: New volume of The Analysis of Verbal Behavior now available. 


Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submittedfor content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commerical events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.


Thursday, November 26, 2009

LECTURE: Online Podcast of Dr. Peter Gerhardt's Presentation to the City Club of Cleveland


The invited talk to the City Club of Cleveland on November 20, 2009 by Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D. President of the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) & Chair of the OAR's Scientific Council  is now posted as a free listen/download podcast, and for purchase as a CD.

Link to the podcast
55:32 Published: Fri, Nov 20, 2009 12:00:00 -0500
alternative link

To the speaker's page,

Peter is a lively public speaker on the topic of autism and Asperger's Syndrome; he also mentions the contributions of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) to good outcomes, and during the Q&A, discusses more in depth possibility of loss of diagnosis in autism and significant improvement via EIBI.
  • Understanding autism
  • Fictions and facts
  • Needs of adults and how society can work together to promote "quality of life".
  • Included in the Q&A:
  • - genetics/heritability/family clusters of autism? "Later" diagnoses of autism?
  • - autism has been at the same prevalence - mis/different diagnosis in the past or real change in prevalence?
  • - What would be diagnosis of the "Rainman"? What is the criteria for Asperger's Syndrome?
  • - Are there pockets of autism or is it evenly distributed?
  • - Need for early intervention -describe. How do people pay for this?
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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submitted for content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commercial events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

NEWS: Behavioral Therapy Boosts Treatment of Serious Behavior Problems in Autism Compared to Medication Alone

For those interested in the use of medications, behavior therapy, the combination of both in treating serious behaviors in pervasive developmental disorders, and use of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) in evaluating treatments, this article by Michelle Diament of Disability Scoop will be of interest. It describes study results that reported that the most effective results for treatment of problem behaviors in the study group of 4-13 year-olds with autism was a combination of parent training in use of behavioral therapy and medication vs. medication alone, with the improvements derived from parent training continued to increase over time. The research article itself will also be of interest; at the current time the article is available in free open access from the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry's December issue.


A significant statement has been made by Thomas R. Insel, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) regarding the results of this study,
“Medication alone has been shown to help with some symptoms of autism, but its potential is limited...This study shows promise of a more effective treatment protocol that could improve life for children with autism and their families."

ABA International members Eric Butter, Ph.D. and James A. Mulick, Ph.D. are two of the team of researchers who authored the research article.

Behavior Therapy Plus Medication Most Successful For Kids With Autism
By Michelle Diament
November 23, 2009
Disability Scoop 11/23/09
"Children with autism experienced fewer behaviors and needed less medication when their parents used behavior therapy in addition to medication, new research shows."

Aman, M.G., McDougle, C.J.,Scahill, L., Handen ,B., Arnold, L. E., et. al.(2009). Medication and parent training in children with pervasive developmental disorders and serious behavior problems: Results from a randomized clinical trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry,48(12),1143-1154.
doi: 10.1097/CHI. 0b013e3181bfd669

-------------------------
Related:
NIMH Press Release
November 20, 2009
Parent Training Complements Medication for Treating Behavioral Problems in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders
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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submitted for content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commercial events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

ANNOUNCE: CalABA Announces 2010 Conference Speakers and Events


CalABA Annual Conference. calaba.org

28th Annual CalABA Conference · Feb. 18 - 20, 2010
Hyatt Regency, Irvine, CA


- Conference preview: Keynote and invited addresses
- Conference advertising & exhibits. Deadline: Dec. 18, 2009
- Student researchers: 2010 Julie Vargas Award. Deadline: Dec. 1
- Graduate students: 2010 Skinner Foundation Research Award. Deadline: Dec. 1
- Fall 2009 CalABA newsletter available online

Conference preview.
This year's CalABA conference will again feature a number of invited addresses and workshops by renowned speakers, including several from the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) (see below).


KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
  • Howard Goldstein, PhD, CCC-SLP. Ohio State University
    Identifying Evidence-Based Practices: Consumer Reports Evaluation of Autism Interventions
  • Edward K. Morris, PhD. University of Kansas
    The Gernsbacher Lectures: Cut Aways, Outtakes, and Bloopers - and Essentialism
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR ADDRESS
  • John A. Nevin, PhD. University of New Hampshire
    Behavioral Momentum: Equations and Applications
GLENDA VITTIMBERGA MEMORIAL LECTURE
  • Stephanie M. Peterson, PhD, BCBA-D. Western Michigan University
    Concurrent Schedules of Reinforcement During Stimulus Fading Intervention
INVITED SPEAKERS
  • Invited Addresses




    • Autism
      Thomas S. Higbee, PhD, BCBA-D, Utah State University
      Using Script Fading to Promote Spontaneous Language in Children with Autism and Related Disorders
    • Developmental Disabilities
      Richard G. Smith, PhD, BCBA-D, University of North Texas
      Assessing Behavior Disorders: Alternatives to Standard Functional Analysis Procedures
    • Experimental
      David Pierce, PhD, University of Alberta
      Activity Anorexia: Participation of Neuroendocrine Responses in Food-related Behavioral Contingencies
    • Human Development & Gerontology
      Patrick C. Friman, PhD, Boys Town
      Using Applied Behavior Analysis to Address Problems of Mainstream, Everyday Life
    • Organizational Behavior Management
      Judy L. Agnew, PhD, Aubrey Daniels International
      Ensuring Effective Treatment: Lessons Learned from Business Applications of Behavior Analysis
    • Professional, Ethical, & Legal Issues
      Jerry Shook, PhD, BCBA-D, Behavior Analyst Certification Board
      Professional Developments in the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
      Jim Johnston, PhD, BCBA-D, Auburn University
      Issues in Credentialing Professionals in Applied Behavior Analysis
    • Verbal Behavior
      David Palmer, PhD, Smith College
      Future Directions in the Analysis of Verbal Behavior
    • Other
      Jesús Rosales-Ruiz, PhD, University of North Texas
      From Fierce or Fearful to Friendly: A Shaping Program for Dogs, Cats, and Beyond





  • Invited Workshops (Sat. only)




    • Autism
      Thomas S. Higbee, PhD, BCBA-D, Utah State University
      Using Activity Schedules to Promote Appropriate Independent and Interactive Play Skills for Children with Autism
    • Clinical/Medical
      Michael P. Mozzoni, PhD, BCBA-D, Learning Services NeuroBehavioral Institute
      Behavioral Methods and Strategies for Working with Neurologically Impaired Adults
    • Education
      Lloyd Peterson, PhD & Stephanie Peterson, PhD, BCBA-D
      Sam Houston State University and Western Michigan University
      Making the Most of Teachable Moments: A Paradigm Shift





  • APBA Co-conference




    • Addresses




      • Linda A. LeBlanc, PhD, BCBA-D, Auburn University
        Teaching Children with Autism Using Naturalistic Teaching Strategies
      • Coleen Sparkman, MA, CCC-SLP, Kendall School/Therapeutic Pathways
        Back to Basics: Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Own Business or Going to Work for an Agency





    • Panel Discussions




      • Gina Green, PhD, BCBA-D, Association of Professional Behavior Analysts
        Jerry Shook, PhD, BCBA-D, Behavior Analyst Certification Board
        Jane S. Howard, PhD, BCBA-D, CalABA Public Policy Committee
        James C. Gross, JD, Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Mueller, & Naylor, LLP
        Advocating for Public Policies to Support Behavior Analysis
      • Jim Johnston, PhD, BCBA-D, Auburn University
        Gina Green, PhD, BCBA-D, Association of Professional Behavior Analysts
        Ethan Long, PhD, BCBA-D, The Bay School
        Janet Yi, MS, BCBA, JBA Institute
        Everyday Ethical Challenges for Professional Behavior Analysts





    • Workshops (Sat. only)




      • Gina Green, PhD, BCBA-D, Association of Professional Behavior Analysts
        Obtaining Health Insurance Coverage of ABA Intervention for Autism
      • Jose D. Rios, MS, BCBA, Private practice
        Writing, Implementing, and Evaluating Effective and Ethical Behavior Intervention Plans










Conference advertising and exhibits.
Take advantage of the many sponsorship and advertising opportunities while helping to ensure the success of our 2010 conference! For more information and to download an application, see our Sponsorship and Advertising page.

Students.  
Submit your research projects now for the Julie Vargas Award and the B. F. Skinner Foundation Research Award. The Dec. 1 deadline is just around the corner!


Conference hotel reservations. Our hotel room block is filling up quickly, so make your room reservations early. Make your reservations online and automatically receive the special conference rate. For more information see our Travel & Hotel page.

One-page flyer and conference logos. Help us spread the word about our 2010 conference! Print out our PDF single-page flyer to post at your schools and offices, and display our conference logos on your websites. Look for the "Marketing Items" link in the conference menu on the left at calaba.org. Thank you!

Fall 2009 CalABA newsletter. 
See this latest edition of our newsletter "Focal Point" for news from California's flagship behavior analysis organization, and visit our newsletter page for an archive of past issues.


We look forward to seeing you at the conference!


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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submitted for content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commercial events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.
Please visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Eugene, OR: Association for Direct Instruction announces dates for National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes

The Association for Direct Instruction announces the upcoming Annual National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes to be held in Eugene, Oregon.
The Association for Direct Instruction (ADI) is pleased to announce that the 36th (yes 36 years) Annual National Direct Instruction Conference and Institutes will be held
July 25-29, 2010,
in Eugene, Oregon,
at the Hilton Eugene and Conference Center.

The featured Keynote speaker will be noted DI consultant Carolyn Schneider. Carolyn has a long history with and was inducted into the Direct Instruction Hall of Fame in 2001.  Over the past 35 years she has trained and coached thousands of teachers and administrators, as well as serving as a lead consultant trainer for SRA
Zig Engelmann will also present an opening address.

Along with main line program training, there are sessions on Classroom Management, Coaching, RTI, DIBELS, Administrator training and much more.  A brochure will be available in early January.

The Eugene Hilton is ready to take your hotel reservation now.  Room rates start at $137.00.  Contact them at 1.541.342.2000 and reserve your room today.

Plan on attending the largest, longest running conference designed specifically for Direct Instruction users!

I hope to see you in Eugene this summer!

Bryan

Bryan Wickman,
Executive Director
Association for Direct Instruction
PO Box 10252
Eugene, OR   97440
1.800.995.2464 voice
1.541.868.1397 fax
www.adihome.org

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Disclaimer
The Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis (OR-ABA) posts items only as a service to OR-ABA members and other interested persons. OR-ABA reserves the right to edit items submitted for content, length, and style. OR-ABA will post only those event announcements that appear to be consistent with OR-ABA's statement of purpose, relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles. OR-ABA's decision in this regard is final. These announcements should not construed as advertisements or endorsements of the products, services, or events described. OR-ABA cannot accept paid advertising on these pages. Announcements of commercial events or events with strong commercial tie-ins will be carefully evaluated for suitability. OR-ABA makes no representation of the accuracy of the events announcements, the quality of the events described, or suitability of any event or its intended use.

Please
visit our website to find out more about OR-ABA, our activities, monthly meetings and speakers.