Behavioral Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Brief Review and Guidelines With a Specific Focus on Applied Behavior Analysis

• Published in: Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Vol. 35; no. 1; pp. 29 - 38
• Main Authors: Chung, Kyong-Mee, Chung, Eunsun, Lee, Hoomyung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) 대한소아청소년정신의학회 2024; Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; 대한소아청소년 정신의학회
• Subjects: Applied behavior analysis; Autism; Behavior modification; Child & adolescent psychiatry; Children & youth; Cognitive ability; Communication; Disease control; Intervention; Language; Learning; Self help; Social interaction; Social skills; SPECIAL ARTICLE: Korean Practice Guideline for Autism Spectrum Disorder; Toilet training; 정신과학; United States > US; Naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention; Focused intervention; Parent-mediated intervention; Comprehensive treatment model; Autism spectrum disorder; Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention
• DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.230019
• ISSN: 1225-729X; 2233-9183

We conducted a comprehensive review of behavioral and educational interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The most prominent type of intervention, Comprehensive Early Intervention, often referred to as Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI), has been found to be particularly effective in improving intelligence and adaptive behaviors. The naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention, designed to enhance social and communication abilities, showed effectiveness in improving language, cognitive function, and social initiation. However, more studies are needed to examine its effectiveness. Intensive individualized intervention, which provides a tailored intervention for a specific target behavior, was effective in improving social skills and communication, as well as reducing sleep, eating, and toileting problems. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective method for dealing with emotional difficulties, but it has not been widely used because of the shortage of trained experts. Parent-mediated intervention (PMI) involves parents acquiring knowledge and specific skills to improve their child's functioning or reduce challenging behaviors. Speech and language therapy, sensory integration, Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communications Handicapped Children, developmental approaches, and social stories are frequently used interventions. However, evidence of their effectiveness has yet to be well established. Based on these findings, intervention recommendations for autism include EIBI, Early Start Denver Model, intensive individualized intervention, CBT, and PMI. The choice of intervention should be tailored to the individual's needs and delivered by qualified professionals with expertise in the specific intervention.