O. Ivar Lovaas (1927-2010) was a trail-blazing clinician-scientist who devoted nearly half a century to improving the lives of children with autism and their families, brought applied behavior analysis (ABA) to the attention of the general public, and inspired many students and colleagues to join his quest for ever-more effective treatments. Lovaas’ early studies showed the potential of ABA interventions to decrease severe challenging behaviors and establish communicative language in previously nonverbal children. His later work culminated in landmark reports revealing that many children with autism made remarkable gains with early intensive ABA. In person, Lovaas was larger-than-life, ebullient, outgoing, charismatic, feisty, and brilliant. This distinguished panel will discuss his multi-faceted contributions from the perspectives of former students who collaborated with Lovaas at different stages of his career, parents whose son received early intensive behavioral intervention in his clinic, and colleagues who interacted with him over a period of many years.
Review Robert L. Koegel’s biographical statement.
Review Claire and Bruce Bothwell’s biographical statements.
Review Judith E. Favell’s biographical statement.
Review Richard M. Foxx’s biographical statement.