Psychology Commons^™

Effect Of Multiple Operant Training Across Similar And Different Response Topographies, Ashley Anna Felde

Theses and Dissertations

This study compared skill acquisition rates during multiple operants training across similar responses and different responses in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Secondary measures included functional independence of verbal operants and children’s teaching condition preference. Discrete-trial instruction was used during both teaching conditions. An adapted alternating treatment design embedded in a nonconcurrent multiple baseline across participants was used to examine rates of skill acquisition. Results showed that two of the three participants acquired skills in fewer sessions during the multiple operants training across similar responses when compared to multiple operant training across different responses. Two of the three participants …

The Relations Between Adherence To Behavioral Treatments And Parent Stress In Families Of Children With Asd, Aimee Rovane

Theses and Dissertations

Recent studies suggest that parent involvement with behavior treatment for associated challenging behaviors (ACBs) may reduce parent stress in families with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is not known whether high treatment adherence to protocols is associated with reduced parent stress, or which factors that may moderate this relation. The current study examined the relation between parents’ adherence to behavioral treatments and parent stress, and whether parents’ perceptions toward treatment moderate this association. Participants were 190 mothers, fathers, or caregivers of a child with ASD. A bivariate correlation matrix examined associations between each variable, and 3 separate linear regression …

Early Negative Affect In Males And Females With Fragile X Syndrome: Implications For Anxiety And Autism, Carla A. Will, Abigail L. Hogan, Elizabeth A. Will, Samuel Mcquillin, Bridgette L. Kelleher, Jane E. Roberts

Faculty Publications

Background Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder that is highly comorbid with anxiety and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Elevated negative affect in young children has been associated with increased risk for both anxiety and ASD; however, these relations remain poorly understood in FXS.

Methods The present prospective longitudinal study examined the trajectory of negative affect from infancy through preschool in males and females with FXS and typical development and its relation to anxiety and ASD.

Results Results indicate a complex association reflecting group, developmental, and sex effects. Specifically, the group with FXS displayed a trajectory of increasing negative …

Internal And External Attention In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tehila Eilam-Stock

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental condition affecting individuals throughout the lifespan. Sensory hypersensitivity and superior perceptual acuity are well documented in individuals with ASD, and may indicate heightened orientation of attention to external stimuli, as attention can augment sensory perception. Recent evidence from mind-wandering research suggests that the ability to disengage attention from the external environment and direct it internally to self-generated mentation is crucial for adaptive cognition and behavior, as it allows for incorporation of past knowledge and experience in the interpretation of novel situations. We hypothesized that ASD is related to an imbalance between externally …

Efficacy Of Module-Based Functional Communication Caregiver Training For Moderate To Severe Problem Behavior, Lauren A. Phillips

Theses & Dissertations

Intensive behavior-analytic services typically reduce behavior problems associated with autism spectrum disorder. However, there are substantial barriers to access these services, including access to behavior analysts who can conduct the training. One way to address problem behavior and barriers to services is to train caregivers to implement function-based interventions to produce sustained improvements in child behavior. We developed a computer-based module (i.e., an e-learning module) to train caregivers to implement functional communication training, a function-based intervention, with extinction and safety procedures. Caregivers conducted a functional analysis to determine the function of their child’s behavior. During baseline, caregivers responded as they …

Implementing Autism Screening For Latino Children In Primary Care: Perspectives From Parents And Providers, Mary Troxel, Keri Linas, Diane Jacobstein, Matthew Biel, Sandra H. Soto, Isabella Lorenzo-Hubert, Soraya Dos-Santos, Rocio Mendez, Bruno J. Anthony

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

While Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities are being diagnosed at increasing rates, there is strong evidence of disparities in rates of identification and utilization of services by Latino children as compared to non-Latino children. Attempts to reduce these disparities include culturally-informed early screening for ASD risk. In preparation for initiation of a screening program in a primary care setting serving primarily Latino children, focus groups and interviews were conducted with Latino parents (N=31), medical staff (N=15), health care providers (N=4) to better understand the barriers and facilitators to engagement around developmental concerns that contribute to the low …

Factors Associated With Parent Reactions To The Diagnosis Of An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emily Irene Anderberg

Theses and Dissertations

Receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is often a pivotal moment for parents. The diagnostic feedback session can provide helpful information for moving forward with their child’s care but can also be filled with conflicting emotions. A few studies have looked at common parent experiences and have suggested actions for providers, but there is little information about how providers can predict parent reactions to the diagnosis and adjust their feedback accordingly. This study investigated factors related to parent reactions to the diagnostic disclosure session using a) interviews with providers that commonly diagnose autism; b) a focus group with parents …

Developmental Regression In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Associated Factors And Outcomes, Jasper Abarte Estabillo

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasingly common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in socialization skills and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. In addition to a number of medical and psychological comorbidities, ASD is associated with a complex phenomenon: developmental regression (i.e., loss of skills in developmental domains). Although present in other disorders (albeit rare), developmental regression is prevalent among individuals with ASD. Thus, interest in studying the phenomenon has grown. However, research on associated risk factors and outcomes is limited and findings have been inconsistent. The current study had two aims: (1) examine potential factors associated with …

Comorbidity And Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Topics: Co-Occurrence Of Autism Spectrum Disorder And Achondroplasia, Angel Belle C. Dy, Lourdes S. Tanchanco

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

This Research Topic in Frontiers aims to overcome the sparsity of studies regarding comorbidity in ASD. It asks potential participants to explore; question; and when necessary; challenge conventional knowledge regarding ASD. Are standard screening instruments capable of delineating the full range of impairment in ASD in the presence of comorbidities? Given the difficulties in communication for many autistic patients; what red flags point towards the presence of comorbidities and what should constitute appropriate medical screening? How do comorbid conditions relate to maladaptive behaviors? This Research Topic will seek answers to these and other questions while raising awareness of how comorbid …

Parent Satisfaction With Family Professional Partnerships And Services For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Amanda R. Templeman

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

As an increasing number of children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), research on the efficacy of interventions and treatments—the way these services affect the family, the child’s outcomes, and the family’s experience with their child’s services—are gaining importance. Children with ASD tend to be involved in multiple services to a higher degree than children with other disabilities, and parents of children with ASD have reported higher dissatisfaction with services than have parents of children with other developmental disabilities. To date, limited research has addressed the family’s perception of these services and how they feel service providers improve child …

Exploring The Adulthood Transition Through The Eyes Of Adults Living With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Phenomenological Study Of Their Expectations, Perceptions, Experiences, And Goals Regarding Adulthood, Matthew Noakes

Senior Honors Theses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent developmental disorder that makes daily, independent living difficult for many people around the world. Depending on the severity of ASD symptoms, individuals living with ASD rely on various supports to develop everyday skills. However, many of these supports fade away as these individuals transition out of high school into adulthood where they are introduced to an entirely new set of social systems including postsecondary institutions, workplace environments, independent/codependent living arrangements, and mature social relationships. Four emerging adults with ASD were interviewed to gather their expectations, perceptions, experiences, and goals regarding these different domains …

Component Analysis Of The Cool Vs. Not Cool Procedure, Mary Yoo

Culminating Projects in Community Psychology, Counseling and Family Therapy

One of the characteristics of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is the inability to develop the social skills needed to develop meaningful relationships. Several behavior programs have been developed to effectively teach a variety of necessary social skills. One of these programs has been proven to be effective with children with autism is the cool versus not cool procedure. There is a growing body of research that has demonstrated its effectiveness to helping teach appropriate social behaviors to individuals in this population (Au et al., 2016; Leaf et al., 2012; Leaf et al., 2015; Leaf, Leaf et al., 2016). However, …

An Evaluation Of Conventional And Progressive Discrete Trial Teaching When Teaching Receptive Labels, Elizabeth Wong

Culminating Projects in Community Psychology, Counseling and Family Therapy

This study evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of conventional DTT and progressive DTT when teaching receptive labels to three children all diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The conventional DTT approach used a conventional approach, which is a method of balancing the trial order and location of at least three stimuli in a teaching session. In contrast, the progressive approach DTT allowed the teacher to be flexible and assess in the moment the trial order. Using an alternating treatment design replicated for three sets and three participants, the results showed that progressive DTT was the most efficient and effective procedure for …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Motor Planning With Core Vocabulary: A Behavior Analytic Account, Alison Judith Karnes

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) increases, it is important for practitioners to continue to improve evidence-based practices (EBP) for the treatment of ASD symptoms (i.e., impairments in social communication and repetitive behaviors and restricted interests; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). It is estimated that 30-50% of individuals with autism do not acquire functional speech (Wodka, Mathy, & Kalb, 2013). These individuals would make appropriate candidates for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC; Mirenda, 2003). One form of AAC is the speech-generating device (SGD). Over the last ten years, tablet-based technologies including iPad minisⓇ have been emphasized in the …

Rule-Governed Behavior: Teaching Essential School Readiness Skills Via Rule-Following To Children With Autism, Rachel Lorraine Bradley

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Rule-governed behavior (RGB) is behavior that is controlled by verbal descriptions of contingencies rather than by direct contact or a history of direct contact with the contingencies. Humans rely on RGB to navigate a multitude of life experiences, and in doing so, we avoid direct contact with destructive or harmful contingencies or contingencies that would be inefficient to contact. However, individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) do not naturally demonstrate RGB, leaving them at increased risk of contacting dangerous consequences. Thus, acquiring RGB is a critical concern that affects the development and wellbeing of individuals with ASD. The current study …

Examining The Impact Of Varying The Pace Of Instruction On Skill Acquisition And Off-Task Behaviour In Young Children With Autism And Down Syndrome, Carly A. Esipu

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Considerable research has shown significant impairments in how children with developmental disabilities learn. A particular focus for these children has been on improving instruction, so that it maximizes acquisition. Modifying pace is one approach to tailoring intervention to meet the needs of these children. This study examined the effects of varying the pace of instruction during behaviour- analytic intervention while measuring acquisition and off task behaviour in young children with developmental disabilities. Five intervention target skills were randomly assigned to one of five paces of instruction and a single-subject adapted alternating treatments design was used to evaluate skill acquisition. In …

Factors Related To Parental Stress At Early Diagnostic Assessments For Autism Spectrum Disorder, Abigail Issarraras

LSU Master's Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is marked by pervasive impairments in social communication and restricted, repetitive interests, behaviors, and activities. Parents raising a child with ASD have consistently reported higher levels of parenting stress compared to parents of typically developing children and children with other disabilities. Several different factors influence parental stress levels at different stages of their child’s life, and so an understanding of the most predictive factors of parental stress at initial ASD assessments is critical to best serving the needs of families with a new diagnosis. The current study investigated several factors that may impact parenting stress at …

Exploring Early Temperament Predictors Of Maladaptive Behavior In A Group Of Elementary School Age Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Caren D. Rhodes-Doudna

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The current study is an ex post facto nonexperimental design analyzing archival data collected from previous trials of a large-scale longitudinal study conducted by researchers at JFK Partners, Center of Excellence in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities in collaboration with the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical School (Principal Investigator: Susan Hepburn, Ph.D.). Specifically, the study looked at the temperament characteristics of mood, intensity, adaptability, and approach measured within early childhood and how they relate to later maladaptive behavior within a group of elementary age children diagnosed with ASD. Maladaptive behavior is a particularly salient outcome, as it impacts the child and …

Exploring The Female Autism Phenotype: Personal Identity Formation And Well-Being In Autistic Females, Erinn Nell Barry

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

A personal identity answers the questions: who am I and where do I fit in the world? While these are questions that all persons may encounter, I examine identity formation, as conceived by Marcia (1980), in a community sample of females diagnosed (or self-identified) as having an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), given that less is known regarding the identity process that autistic females undergo. More specifically, I examine the relationship between autism traits and the achieved and diffuse identity statuses. Research indicates the existence of a female autism phenotype (Lai et al., 2015), such that autistic females often present with …

Family Cohesion And Perceived Stress As Predictors Of Quality Of Life In Maternal Caregivers Of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emily Henry

PCOM Psychology Dissertations

The present study investigated factors that predict maternal caregivers’ quality of life in 115 mothers (25 - 55 years old) who had a child aged 5 to 12 years old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Caregivers’ perceived stress and family cohesion were assessed to determine each factor’s predictive ability in predicting four domains of quality of life: physical health, psychological health, relationships, and environment. Results indicate that perceived stress significantly predicted all four quality-of-life domains. When adding in family cohesion, modest increases in predictive strength were observed for two domains of caregiver quality of life (i.e., psychological health and relationships). …

Dsm-5, Asperger's Syndrome Diagnosis, And Mothers' Experiences With Mental Health Services, Pamela G. Riley

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Mothers who have children with a previous Asperger's syndrome diagnosis had to go through a process to maintain or obtain services for their child when the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5) removed the diagnosis. Prior to and since the release of the DSM-5 in 2013, there has been an expression of concern in the literature about how this diagnostic change would affect services for children with a previous Asperger's syndrome diagnosis. Current research has not sufficiently explored the experiences mothers have had with this process. The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study …

Teaching The Leisure Skill Of Photography To Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alicia Tsai

CMC Senior Theses

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often do not use their leisure time appropriately. Previous studies have shown that children with ASD tend to engage in inappropriate actions and maladaptive behaviors (such as engaging in stereotypy and tantrums) that decrease their quality of life. Establishing age-appropriate leisure skills is important for these children as these skills have been recognized as fulfilling habilitative needs, and can increase the quality of life and social acceptance and decrease the amount of stress for these individuals. The present study used a multiple baseline across-participants design to investigate whether children with ASD can learn and …

Using Behavioral Skills Training To Teach Children With Autism To Seek Help From Law Enforcement Officers When Lost, Greta Kos

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at an elevated risk of becoming lost in situations due to running away or wandering behaviors. When children with ASD become lost it may be difficult for them to effectively and efficiently seek help from community helpers in a safe manner due to communication deficits and poor social skills. This study aims to teach children with ASD how to identify when they are lost and how to seek help from police officers in the community by vocalizing the problem and using a communication card. Generalization probes were conducted with three children diagnosed with …