Association for Behavior Analysis International

The Association for Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI) is a nonprofit membership organization with the mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice.

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48th Annual Convention; Boston, MA; 2022

Event Details


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Paper Session #180
CE Offered: BACB
Outpatient Treatment for Problem Behavior in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities in Italian Healthcare System
Sunday, May 29, 2022
8:00 AM–8:50 AM
Meeting Level 2; Room 254B
Area: AUT
Instruction Level: Intermediate
Chair: Niccolo USL Varrucciu (Public Local Health, Bologna)
CE Instructor: Jane Paul, Ph.D.
 

Outpatient Treatment for Problem Behavior in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities in Italian Healthcare System

Domain: Basic Research
NICCOLÒ USL VARRUCCIU (Public Local Health, Bologna), Guido D'Angelo (DALLA LUNA - BARI), Anna Di Santantonio (Health and Disability Integrated Program, Mental Health Health Dept., Public Local Health, Bologna), Ingrid Bonsi (Cadiai Cooperativa Sociale), Sara Del Grosso (Cadiai Cooperativa Sociale), Rita Di Sarro (Health and Disability Integrated Program, Mental Health Health Dept., Public Local Health, Bologna)
 
Abstract:

The purpose of the study was to exam the effectiveness of an outpatient treatment for adolescents with problem behavior in the context of the Italian public healthcare system. Assessment and treatment of problem behavior is well documented in private and publicly funded settings in the United States; however, to our knowledge, there are no studies reporting effective treatments in the Italian healthcare system. Our study included three participants with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities that were referred for services for aggression and crying. Parents and caregivers reported that problem behavior interfered with skill acquisition and social interaction. A functional analysis and a corresponding behavioral treatment were carried out for all participants. Functional communication training (FCT) was implemented in one weekly for two participants and two weekly sessions for the third participant. All sessions lasted 90 minutes in duration. Significant outcomes were reported for all participants in terms of reduction of PBs and increase of alternative responses, and for two participants results were generalized to people and settings, differently from the original training conditions. Namely, an 80% or greater reduction in problem behavior was reached for all participants, as well as an increase higher than 80% the functional alternative response, with respect to the baseline level. These findings suggest that an outpatient model is feasible and effective in the Italian public healthcare system. Specific adaptations of functional assessment and treatment in public health system are discussed.

 
Target Audience:

Applied behavior analysts, researchers, educators, psychologists,  other professionals in the field of ABA and neurodevelopmental disabilities

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: (1) discuss the experiences of African caregivers from the point they notice early signs to diagnosis, intervention and education; (2) describe five different help-seeking behaviors and struggles of African caregivers of children with ASD; (3) describe three unique and culturally sensitive ways behavior analysts can engage in dissemination efforts internationally.
 

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