Association for Behavior Analysis International

Our increased ability to identify and diagnose children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) at earlier ages provides us with both an opportunity and a challenge. These advances now allow us the opportunity to begin intervention much earlier in life. Our challenge, however, is to design and adapt our interventions to very young children in order to achieve optimal outcomes. The evidence supporting interventions for children with ASD has changed in the last decade, and meaningful research supports the effectiveness of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs). However, one significant barrier to implementing this approach is that many behavioral practitioners lack training, knowledge, and support for implementing NDBIs. This presentation will discuss how NDBIs fit within the scope of practice for behavioral practitioners, discuss strategies for incorporating NDBIs into existing ABA treatment programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of a training program for providers working with young children with ASD (0-3 years).

Intermediate - participants should have knowledge about evidence-based intervention for young children with ASD

As the identification and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in younger children becomes increasingly common, clinicians are developing programs, implementing interventions, and supporting technicians for a population with whom they may have little experience. In order to identify current skill sets, areas of need, and to better understand the knowledge of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), a provider survey was sent to practitioners across the LEARN network. Results of the survey demonstrate the need for ongoing training and support for staff who work with the infant and toddler population (ages 0-3). We discuss the implications of these results for clinical programming and the need for future training in this area.

As more children are being diagnosed with ASD before the age of three years old, there is a growing need to identify best practice guidelines for clinicians working with this early intervention population in clinic and community settings. Current best practices for the treatment of young children with ASD include interventions that blend behavioral and developmental and behavioral strategies, such as Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions. To better support staff who work with young children with ASD, a set of clinical and practice guidelines was developed. In this presentation, we will share recommendations based on scientific evidence and clinical expertise regarding effective practices that were developed for integrating NDBIs into existing ABA programs for young children with ASD. Key practice guidelines discussed will include assessment, data collection, intervention approaches, learning environments, training, supervision, professional development, and collaboration and coordination with family members for young children with ASD receiving ABA services.