This book is a resource for the identification, selection, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based practices to promote positive outcomes for learners with autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan and enhance their quality of life. The book discusses the decision-making process for identifying and selecting evidence-based practices to address the academic, behavioral, and social needs of this population of learners. It provides a systematic description of the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practices within the context of ongoing assessment and data-based decision making. It presents evidence-based training models for promoting the adoption and implementation with fidelity of evidence-based practices while highlighting an ethical decision-making model for solving dilemmas common to selecting, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based practices. The book underlines the importance of developing collaborative partnerships with families and other professionals to better address the needs to learners with autism spectrum disorder.
Laura C. Chezan is an associate professor of special education in the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University. She is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst–Doctoral. Her research interests focus on social-communication interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, positive behavior support, and postsecondary education for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. She has coauthored book chapters and published peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals in the field of education and behavior analysis. Dr. Chezan has also presented at local, state, and national conferences on topics related to communication and behavioral interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. She serves as an associate editor for Preventing School Failure and as an editorial board member for six peer-reviewed journals in the fields of special education and applied behavior analysis. Dr. Chezan is a recipient of the Sara and Rufus Tonelson Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research, and Service from Old Dominion University and the Star Reviewer Award from the Journal of Behavioral Education.
Katie Wolfe is an associate professor of special education in the Department of Educational Studies at the University of South Carolina. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst–Doctoral who has worked with children with autism spectrum disorder for more than 15 years. She conducts research on behavioral interventions to promote language and communication in children with autism spectrum disorder, on methods of training practitioners to make data-based instructional decisions, and on the visual analysis of single-case research data. Dr. Wolfe has published chapters and peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals related to these interests and serves on the editorial board of five peer-reviewed journals in the fields of applied behavior analysis and special education. She regularly presents at national conferences and conducts workshops related to interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities.
Erik Drasgow is professor of special education and chair of the Department of Educational Studies at the University of South Carolina. He has been in the field of special education for more than 30 years. Dr. Drasgow has published in such journals as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Modification, and Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. His research and personnel preparation efforts have been funded by the U.S. Department of Education. He has conducted workshops and given presentations across the country in his areas of expertise and has provided technical assistance for more than 35 years to families, teachers, related practitioners, and paraprofessionals.
Contributors include: Jennifer M. Asmus, Amanda Austin, Amarie Carnett, Wen-hsuan Chang, Aaron R. Check, Hannah Crosley, Taylor P. Dorlack, Veronica P. Fleury, Kaitlin Greeny, Emily Gregori, Elizabeth M. Kelly, Stephen M. Kwiatek, Giulio E. Lancioni, Catharine Lory, Abby Magnusen, Rose A. Mason, Valerie L. Mazzotti, Meka N. McCammon, Lindsay M. McCary, Hedda Meadan, Abigail Mojica, Mark F. O’Reilly, Jamie N. Pearson, Anthony J. Plotner, Mandy Rispoli, Jenny R. Root, Ilene S. Schwartz, Benjamin Seifert, Eric N. Shannon, Jeff Sigafoos, Jennifer Elaine Smith, Emily Stover, Shawnna Sundberg, Charissa Voorhis, Charles (Charlie) Walters, Kelly Whalon, Susan M. Wilczynski, and Alice Williams
Preface
1 Quality of Life (Laura C. Chezan and Erik Drasgow)
Introduction and Overview
Defining Quality of Life
Historical Perspectives on Quality of Life
Promoting Quality of Life in Learners with ASD
Targeting Quality-of-Life Outcomes
Using Effective Quality-of-Life Planning
Assessing Quality-of-Life Outcomes
Quality of Life at Organizational and System Level
Summary
Application Activities
Additional Resources
2 Characteristics of Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Katie Wolfe, Meka N. McCammon, and Aaron R. Check)
Introduction and Overview
Historical Context
Prevalence
Etiology
Genetic Influences
Environmental Influences
What About Vaccines?
Neurological Differences in Learners with ASD
Diagnostic Characteristics
Social Communication and Social Interaction
Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior, Interests, or Activities
Severity Level
Presence of Intellectual Disability
The Diagnostic Process
Surveillance
Screening
Diagnosis
Medical and Educational Diagnoses
Common Co-Occurring Conditions
Summary
Application Activities
Additional Resources
3 Assessment for Instructional Planning (Laura C. Chezan and Erik Drasgow)
Introduction and Overview
Assessment and Instructional Planning
Program Development
Progress Monitoring
Evaluation of Instructional Effectiveness
Characteristics of Assessment for Learners with ASD
Focus on Meaningful Behaviors
Focus on Natural Environments
Focus on Cultural Responsiveness
Multiple Sources of Information
Comprehensive Assessment
Assessment Methods
Indirect Methods: Interviews and Rating Scales
Direct Methods: Naturalistic Observation
Types of Assessment to Inform Program Development
Task-Analytic Assessment
Ecological Inventory
Preference Assessments
Curriculum-Based Assessment
Curriculum-Based Measurement
Linking Assessment to Intervention
Prioritizing Behaviors from Assessment
Writing Measurable and Observable Instructional Objectives
Summary
Application Activities
Additional Resources
4 Evidence-Based Practice: Finding the Right Treatment that Works (Susan M. Wilczynski, Abby Magnusen, Shawnna Sundberg, and Ben Seifert)
Introduction and Overview
Finding Evidence-Based Practices
Core Elements and Evidence-Based Practices
Core Element: Reinforcement
Core Element: Prompting
Task Analysis
EBP—Combining Core Elements: Chaining
EBP—Combining Core Elements: Modeling and Video Modeling
EBP—Individual and Group Applications: Token Economy
EBP—Individual and Group Applications: Visual Supports
The Evidence-Based Intervention Selection Model: Reminder and Application
Background
Step 1: Questions to Initiate the Evidence-Based Treatment Selection Process
Step 2—Part 1: Best Available Evidence
Step 2—Part 2: Person-Related Variables
Step 2—Part 3: Contextual Variables
Step 3: Professional Judgment
Step 4: Intervention Selection
Step 5: Intervention Implementation and Data Collection
Step 6: Reevaluation
Summary
Application Activities
Additional Resources
Notes
5 Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices (Rose A. Mason, Emily Gregori, Jennifer Elaine Smith, Amanda Austin, and Hannah Crosley)
Introduction and Overview
Effective Professional Development
Coaching
Collaborative Partnership
Needs Assessment
Developing Shared Goals
The Action Plan
Focused Observation
Reflection and Feedback
Behavior Skills Training
Preparing to Implement Behavior Skills Training
Implementing Behavior Skills Training
Additional Training Procedures
Self-Monitoring
In Vivo Coaching
Technology to Enhance Delivery of Training
Telepractice
Considerations for Training Other Practitioners
Teachers
Paraeducators
Related-Service Providers
Parents
Summary
Application Activities
Additional Resources
6 Progress Monitoring and Data-Based Decision Making (Katie Wolfe, Meka N. McCammon, and Aaron R. Check)
Introduction and Overview
Collecting Data
Identifying the Behavior or Skill
Operationally Defining the Behavior or Skill
Selecting a Data-Collection Method to Record Real-Time Data
Determining When to Collect Data
Developing a Data Collection Sheet
Training Others Who May Collect Data
Collecting Baseline Data
Developing an Objective
Graphing Data
Parts of a Line Graph
Creating Line Graphs
Analyzing Data
Making Data-Based Decisions
Patterns of Performance and Corresponding Decisions
Implementing Data-Based Decision Making
Case Study
Summary
Application Activities
Additional Resources
7 Ethics and Evidence-Based Practice: An Important Partnership for Meaningful Outcomes (Ilene S. Schwartz, Elizabeth M. Kelly, and Kaitlin Greeny)
Introduction and Overview
Brief History of Ethics
Professional Ethics
Evidence-Based Practices
Effectiveness in the Moment
Intersectionality
Basic Ethical Considerations
Competency
Confidentiality
Accountability
An Ethical Decision-Making Model
Step 1. Clarify the Problem
Step 2. Brainstorm Possible Solutions
Step 3. Evaluate Possible Solutions
Step 4. Propose an Acceptable Solution
Step 5. Implement the Solution and Document All Actions Taken
Step 6. Reflect Upon the Results of the Decision
Summary
Application Activities
Additional Resources
Note
8 Evidence-Based Practices to Enhance Social Competence (Jeff Sigafoos, Amarie Carnett, Mark F. O’Reilly, and Giulio E. Lancioni)
Introduction and Overview
Defining Social Competence
Social Skills
Foundational Social-Communication Skills
Requesting and Rejecting
Teaching Attention-Gaining Skills
Teaching Greeting Skills
Teaching Conversational Skills
Teaching Joint Attention and Peer Interactions Skills
Summary
Case Study
Background
Step 1: Questions to Initiate the Data-Based Treatment Selection Process
Step 2—Part 1: Best Available Evidence
Step 2—Part 2: Person-Related Variables
Step 2—Part 3: Contextual Variables (Resource Constraints, Environmental Supports)
Step 3: Professional Judgment
Step 4: Intervention Selection
Step 5: Intervention Implementation and Data Collection
Step 6: Reevaluation
Application Activities
Additional Resources
9 Evidence-Based Practices to Teach Academic Skills (Veronica P. Fleury, Jenny R. Root, Kelly Whalon, Emily Stover, and Alice Williams)
Introduction and Overview
Considerations for Teaching Academic Skills
Description of Academic Achievement
Reading Achievement
Mathematics Achievement
Considerations for Designing Instruction
Determining What to Teach
Follow the 3 P’s
Address Stages of Learning
Evidence-Based Practices to Teach Reading and Mathematics Skills
Prompting
Time Delay
Visual Supports
Task Analysis
Explicit Instruction
Summary
Case Study
Background
Step 1: Questions to Initiate the Data-Based Treatment Selection Process
Step 2—Part 1: Best Available Evidence
Step 2—Part 2: Person-Related Variables
Step 2—Part 3: Contextual Variables (Resource Constraints, Environmental Supports)
Step 3: Professional Judgment
Step 4: Intervention Selection
Step 5: Intervention Implementation and Data Collection
Step 6: Reevaluation
Application Activities
Additional Resources
10 Evidence-Based Practices to Address Problem Behavior (Mandy Rispoli, Catharine Lory, Eric Shannon, and Charissa Voorhis)
Introduction and Overview
Functional Behavior Assessment
Identifying Target Behavior
Operationalizing Target Behavior
Indirect Assessment
Descriptive Assessment
Functional Analysis of Problem Behavior
Interpreting FBA Results and Developing a Summary Statement
Function-Based Intervention
Social Positive Reinforcement
Antecedent Strategies
Teaching Strategies
Consequence Strategies
Social Negative Reinforcement
Antecedent Strategies
Teaching Strategies
Consequence Strategies
Automatic Reinforcement
Antecedent Strategies
Teaching Strategies
Consequence Strategies
Multiply Maintained Problem Behavior
Evaluating Intervention Effectiveness
Fading Interventions
Summary
Case Study
Background
Step 1: Questions to Initiate the Evidence-Based Treatment Selection Process
Step 2—Part 1: Best Available Evidence
Step 2—Part 2: Person-Related Variables
Step 2—Part 3: Contextual Variables (Resource Constraints, Environmental Supports)
Step 3: Professional Judgment
Step 4: Intervention Selection
Step 5: Intervention Implementation and Data Collection
Step 6: Reevaluation
Application Activities
Additional Resources
11 Evidence-Based Practices for Secondary Transition Planning and Supports for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Anthony J. Plotner, Valerie L. Mazzotti, Stephen M. Kwiatek, Wen-hsuan Chang, Aaron R. Check, Abigail Mojica, and Charles Walters)
Introduction and Overview
Legislation Supporting Transition-Aged Youth with Disabilities
Secondary Transition and Working with Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Secondary Transition Frameworks and Practices
Description of Secondary Transition Evidence-Based Practices and Predictors for Learners with ASD
Considerations for Practical Application of Secondary EBPs, RBPs, and Predictors
Summary
Case Study
Background
Step 1: Questions to Initiate the Evidence-Based Treatment Selection Process
Step 2—Part 1: Best Available Evidence
Step 2—Part 2: Person-Related Variables
Step 2—Part 3: Contextual Variables (Resource Constraints, Environmental Supports)
Step 3: Professional Judgment
Step 4: Intervention Selection
Step 5: Intervention Implementation and Data Collection
Step 6: Reevaluation
Application Activities
Additional Resources
12 Collaborative Partnerships: Parents and Families (Hedda Meadan and Jamie N. Pearson)
Introduction and Overview
Family Involvement and Engagement
Parents, Caregivers, and Families
Parents and Families from Diverse Backgrounds
Grounding Family Involvement and Engagement in Theory
Families with Children with Autism
Strategies for Building Effective Family-Practitioner Partnerships
Strategies to Enhance Family Involvement and Engagement
Implementing Evidence-Based Practices with Families
Evaluating Partnerships with Families
Summary
Application Activities
Additional Resources
13 Collaborative Partnerships: How and Why to Foster Professional Collaborations (Jennifer M. Asmus, Lindsay M. McCary, and Taylor P. Dorlack)
Introduction and Overview
The Professional as an Expert for Problem Solving in the School Setting
Perspectives on the Role the Professional Plays in Service Provision Outside of the School Setting
Historical Perspective on Professionals as Supports for Learners with ASD
Emergence and Evolution of a Problem-Solving Framework of EBP
PSTs and a Problem-Solving Model of EBP
Expanding Adoption and Implementation of a Problem-Solving Model
Setting the Course for Effective Professional Collaboration
Planning for Meaningful Collaboration in Schools
Evaluating Impact and Acceptability of Collaboration
Summary
Case Study
Application Activities
Additional Resources
Note
14 Final Remarks (Katie Wolfe, Laura C. Chezan, and Erik Drasgow)
Focusing on Quality of Life
Connecting Assessment and Intervention
Targeting Socially Valid and Functional Behaviors
Engaging in Ethical Practice
Collaborating with Others
Summary
References
Index
About the Editors and Contributors
The editors of this text have done outstanding work to provide practitioners a quality-of-life-focused guide for teaching individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This book will appeal to school, home, and clinic-based service providers who are dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals with ASD from early childhood to secondary transition. Readers will appreciate the breadth of information ranging from foundational principles in special education and ASD to specific strategies for assessment and intervention to ethical applications.
— Lauren LeJeune, University of South Carolina
This text provides a thorough yet clear and concise summary of the rationale and implementation of evidence-based practices for students with autism spectrum disorders. Given the broad scope of the interventions detailed, it is an invaluable resource for both special education and general education teacher preparation programs.
— Jonna Bobzien, Old Dominion University
Evidence-Based Practices for Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is an excellent resource for those interested in optimizing the educational, social/emotional, and behavioral outcomes of learners with autism spectrum disorder. The authors detail a unique framework that facilitates collaboration and guides pre- and in-service teachers to implement practices that are meaningful, effective, and socially valid. The applicability of content, particularly the emphasis on behavior, independence, quality of life, and family involvement across the lifespan, makes this book an essential addition to educator preparation programs.
— Annemarie L. Horn, Old Dominion University
The Guide to Evidence-Based Practices for Practitioners Working with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is an invaluable resource for educators and practitioners who work across all age levels with learners on the autism spectrum while highlighting the value of collaborative, ethical relationships with families and other professionals. This comprehensive guide provides a systematic process to select evidence-based practices to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism not only in the academic arena, but interpersonal skills as well including relationships, self-advocacy, self-determination, and personal development. The authors’ unique approach focuses on the individual consideration of preferences, values, and cultural norms of this linguistically and ethnically diverse population to promote meaningful participation within inclusive school, postschool, and community environments. Written with expertise and advocacy for individuals with autism, this guide provides powerful tools to design and implement evidence-based programs for learners with autism to achieve their highest potential.
— Lisa Phalen, Old Dominion University
Evidence-Based Practices for Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a wonderful and practical resource for both novice and experienced practitioners. This text provides a succinct yet comprehensive guide for using evidence-based practices to support the needs of individuals with ASD. Its use of clear, concise explanations and examples will surely encourage practitioners to consistently reach for it throughout their practice.
— Meka N. McCammon, University of South Florida
