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| Science and Theory in Autism |
| Sunday, May 30, 2004 |
| 1:30 PM–2:50 PM |
| Back Bay C |
| Area: AUT |
| Chair: Betty Fry Williams (Whitworth College) |
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| Biomedical Research on Autism: Separating Science from Science Fiction |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| BETTY FRY WILLIAMS (Whitworth College), Don Calbreath (Whitworth College) |
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| Abstract: Recent increases in the diagnosis of autism have resulted in considerable interest in and funding for medical research to determine the contributing factors that may cause the disorder. Information about a myriad of possible causes floods the internet and print media, overwhelming families and professionals who often cannot discriminate reliable findings from questionable evidence. This session will present basic principles of sound neurological research that can be used to evaluate the value of evidence used to support various claims. Research on topics such as the opioid excess theory, genetic connections, immune deficiencies, MMR vaccinations, and so forth will be examined. |
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| Psychological Theories of Autistic Behavior in Young Children |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| JANICE K. DONEY (University of Nevada, Reno), Patrick M. Ghezzi (University of Nevada, Reno) |
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| Abstract: There are a multitude of theories related to autistic behavior in young children. Generally, these theories attempt to account for the three central features of the disorder: (1) impairment of social behavior including verbal and nonverbal communication, (2) a high degree of repetitive behavior and restricted range of activities,and (3) atypical responses to particular classes of stimuli. Theories of autistic behavior may be classified into two major categories: those that postulate biological-physiological causes and those that postulate psychological causes. The biological-physiological theories ascribe the disorder to neurological impairment such as brain damgage while the psychological theories ascribe the disorder to inadequate parent-child relationships during infancy, cognitive deficits, or behavior dysfunctions. The present paper will be limited to a review and critical analysis of the prominent psychological theories of autistic behavior in young children. |
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| Preventing Autism Now: A Possible Next Step for Behavior Analysis |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| PHILIP W. DRASH (Autism Early Intervention Center) |
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| Abstract: One of the major goals of behavioral and biomedical research in autism during recent years has been to identify causal variables that might lead to comprehensive programs for the prevention or cure of autism that could be implemented immediately [i.e. Cure Autism Now (CAN); Defeat Autism Now! (DAN!)]. This goal has also been strongly supported by parent advocacy groups nationwide. Applied Behavior Analysis is now recognized nationwide by many professionals and parents as the most effective form of treatment for autism. However, Behavior Analysis has had limited impact on the national movement for the prevention of autism, which is largely dominated by biomedical groups. Based on the documented success of ABA treatment programs and on our analysis of autism as a contingency-shaped disorder of verbal behavior, it appears that Behavior Analysis may now be in a position to answer one of the more challenging questions of professionals and parent advocates nationwide, "How can autism be prevented?" This presentation will examine how it may be possible to begin preventing many cases of autism now by identifying and replacing reinforcement contingencies that might prevent or inhibit the development of verbal behavior during the first year to two years of life. |
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