Autism

Paper Summary:

The link between early intervention therapy and autism has long been discussed in terms of its legitimacy and level of assistance. From Dr O. Ivar Lovaas' studies in the late 60s to current research on the issue, the link between autism and early intervention has been tested and retested, in a number of different ways and with a number of different results. While there are some studies that suggest otherwise, most current and past research on the topic has shown that early intervention therapy can be beneficial to autistic children, given the right circumstances and settings. This paper evaluates current literature on the topic of autism and early intervention, and discusses a variety of approaches to the issue. Additionally, this paper shows that, according to research, early intervention has at least a marginal benefit on autistic children.

From the Paper:

"The subjects in Control Group 1 received the same basic intervention as the experimental group, but for only 10 hours per week, and without systemic aversives. Additionally, Control Group 1 used community resources for autism, such as special education classes. Control Group 2 received no early intervention prior to general education (Lovass, 1987).
The findings of the Lovass study were impressive. According to Lovass, 47% of the students who had received 40 hours per week intervention achieved normal functioning by the age of seven, and entered full time mainstream education, with no distinctive characteristics of autism. Another 40% retained some autistic characteristics, but showed substantial progress in all areas other than language difficulties and some intellectual disabilities. Lovass reported that 10% received no benefit from the intervention. Those who participated in the study for more than two years gained, on average, over 30 IQ points (Lovass, 1987)."

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