Behaviour study: Children with autism who receive an intensive form of education in the home can record significant improvements in IQ levels, according to research to be presented this week.
The UK study involved investigating both the effects of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) in the home on children with autism and on the functioning of the family. The research, led by Prof Richard Hastings of University College, North Wales, will be discussed at a seminar in Trinity College Dublin on Friday.
The findings, one of the first to specially examine the effects on home-based ABA on children and their families, may prove significant in the development of education policies for children with autism in Ireland.
At present, there are just a handful of State-funded ABA home programmes, many of which have been established after lobbying by parents or the threat of High Court action.
The research involved measuring the performance of more than 20 children who received applied behaviour analysis at home over the course of two years, compared with a similar-sized group who did not.
Research showed significant changes among the group of children who received ABA in levels of cognitive and adaptive functioning. It has been often assumed that ABA, a highly structured and intensive form of education, can have negative effects on a family by increasing the level of parental stress. However, the research found stress levels were not as high as has been thought.
The provision of ABA, which has been shown in a number of previous studies to have often dramatic results among autistic children when combined with early intervention, has been a highly contentious issue at Government level. While many parents seek this form of education for their children, it is typically provided on a one-to-one level and is more expensive than other educational approaches.
Others due to speak at this week's seminar include Dr Brian McClean, principal psychologist with the Brothers of Charity, Roscommon, who will discuss developments in supporting people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour.
Research on ensuring people with intellectual disabilities receive the practical support from staff that improves their quality of life and participation in community based-activities will also be discussed. Dr Sandy Toogood, Bangor Centre for Developmental Disabilities and School of Psychology, University College North Wales, will present recent findings on the effectiveness of this "active support" model.
One of the seminar's organisers, Dr Ian Grey, a lecturer in developmental disabilities at the School of Psychology, Trinity College, said it was critical that professionals and service providers kept up to date with latest developments in this area.
Attendance at Prof Hasting's talk on Friday is free to staff and students of the university. For further details contact Dr Ian Grey at igrey@tcd.ie.
