: Twenty years of research on early intensive treatment using applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with autism has consistently produced robust effects. There appears to be a subset of children whose response to intensive ABA treatments includes achieving a level of functioning that is indistinguishable from typically developing peers. The purpose of this study was to describe a subset of children who recovered from autism following intensive ABA interventions.
Methods
: We reviewed the clinical files of 38 children with autism who achieved an optimal outcome after receiving intensive ABA services.
Results
: The mean age at intake was 40 months. Average IQ was 83.6 at intake and 107.9 at discharge. Mean adaptive skills were 68.04 at intake and 88.87 at discharge.
Conclusions
: Our study corroborates the finding that some children with autism who receive early intensive behavioral intervention achieve functioning in the average range.
LovaasOI.Behavioral treatment and normal educational and intellectual functioning in young autistic children. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1987;55:3–9.
2.
RogersSJ.Empirically supported comprehensive treatments for young children with autism. J Clin Child Psychol. 1998;27:168–179.
3.
RogersSJ, VismaraLA.Evidence-based comprehensive treatments for early autism. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2008;37:8–38.
4.
EikesethS.Outcome of comprehensive psycho-educational interventions for young children with autism. Res Dev Disabil. 2009;30:158–178.
5.
MyersSM, JohnsonCP; American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children With Disabilities. Management of children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics.2007;120:1162–1182.
6.
CohenH, Amerine-DickensM, SmithT.Early intensive behavioral treatment: replication of the UCLA model in a community setting. J Dev Behav Pediatr.2006;27: S145–S155.
7.
HowardJS, SparkmanCR, CohenHG, . A comparison of intensive behavior analytic and eclectic treatments for young children with autism. Res Dev Disabil. 2005;26:359–383.
8.
SallowsGO, GraupnerTD.Intensive behavioral treatment for children with autism: four-year outcome and predictors. Am J Ment Retard. 2005;110:417–438.
9.
ZachorDA, Ben-ItzchakE, RabinovichA, . Change in autism core symptoms with intervention. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2007;1:304–317.
10.
MatsonJL.Determining treatment outcome in early intervention programs for autism spectrum disorders: a critical analysis of measurement issues in learning based interventions. Res Dev Disabil. 2007;28:207–218.
11.
RemingtonB, HastingsRP, KovshoffH, . Early intensive behavioral intervention: outcomes for children with autism and their parents after two years. Am J Ment Retard. 2007;112:418–438.
12.
HarrisSL, HandlemanJS.Age and IQ at intake as predictors of placement for young children with autism: a four- to six-year follow-up. J Autism Dev Disord. 2000;30:137–142.
13.
WeissMJ.Differential rates of skill acquisition and outcomes of early intensive behavioral intervention for autism. Behavioral Interventions. 1999;14:3–22.
14.
PerryA, CummingsA, Dunn GeierJ, . Effectiveness of intensive behavioral intervention in a large, community-based program. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2008;2:621–642.
15.
ButterEM, MulickJA, MetzB, . Eight case reports of learning recovery in children with pervasive developmental disorders after early intervention. Behavioral Interventions. 2006;21:227–243.
16.
ReichowB, WoleryM.Comprehensive synthesis of early intensive behavioral interventions for young children with autism based on the UCLA young autism project model. J Autism Dev Disord. 2009;39:23–41.
17.
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition, text revision. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association;2000.
18.
GranpeeshehD.Recovery from autism: learning why and how to make it happen more. Autism Advocate. 2008;50:54–58.
19.
HeltM, KelleyE, KinsbourneM, . Can children with autism recover? If so, how?Neuropsychol Rev.2008;18:339–366.
20.
LovaasOI.Teaching developmentally disabled children: the me book. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed;1981.
21.
MauriceC, GreenG, FoxxRM, eds. Making a difference: behavioral intervention for autism. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed; 2001.
22.
MauriceC, GreenG, LuceS.Behavioral intervention for young children with autism: a manual for parents and professionals. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed;1996.
23.
EikesethS, SmithT, JahrE, . Outcome for children with autism who began intensive behavioral treatment between ages 4 and 7: a comparison controlled study. Behav Modif. 2007;31:264–278.
24.
JonsdottirSL, SaemundsenE, AsmundsdóttirG, . Follow-up of children diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders: stability and change during the preschool years. J Autism Dev Disord. 2007;37: 1361–1374.
25.
MooreV, GoodsonS.How well does early diagnosis of autism stand the test of time? Follow-up study of children assessed for autism at age 2 and development of an early diagnostic service. Autism. 2003;7:47–63.
26.
EavesLC, HoHH.The very early identification of autism: outcome to age 4 1/2-5. J Autism Dev Disord. 2004;34:367–378.
27.
LordC, RisiS, Di LavorePS, . Autism from 2 to 9 years of age. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63:694–701.
28.
FenskeEC, ZalenskiS, KrantzPJ, . Age at intervention and treatment outcome for autistic children in a comprehensive intervention program. Analysis and Intervention in Developmental Disabilities. 1985;5:49–58.
