The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Treatments grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis as well as biomedical treatments have individually helped provide effective treatment models for autism. ABA-based interventions are now considered to be at the forefront of therapeutic interventions for children with autism and there is also support for successful outcomes with biomedical treatments. However, in developing a “Best Practices” Model, these interventions must work together to provide the best possibilities for optimal outcomes. An overview of support for the behavioral-biomedical treatment model will be presented. Given the significant volume of research on the outcomes of treatments based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, it is clear that ABA is a necessary treatment for children with autism. ABA is the application of more than 70 years of scientifically proven principles of learning and motivation to the solution of problems of social significance, autism being one such problem. Several decades of scientific research have conclusively proven the effectiveness of ABA with children with autism. Substantial research has demonstrated that for a significant proportion of children with autism, the optimal outcome is possible: everyday functioning that is indistinguishable from that of typically developing peers.  As such, treatment approaches grounded in ABA are now considered to be at the forefront of therapeutic and educational interventions for children suffering from this disorder. 
Research also supports a biomedical etiology for autism.  While studies are being conducted to identify exact biomedical pathways, case studies suggest successful outcomes when biomedical interventions are used to treat clinical symptoms which have manifested themselves in individuals diagnosed with autism.  Given this support, there is a growing percentage of parents and practitioners who now utilize medically based treatment options, including modified diet, supplementation and detoxification protocols to treat individuals diagnosed within the autism spectrum.  
While ABA and biomedical practitioners have individually helped provide effective treatment models for autism, in developing a “Best Practices” Model, these interventions must work together to provide the best possibilities for successful outcome.  In treating Autism, the Best Practices model suggests that we utilize the existing biomedical interventions in an attempt to stabilize the child’s condition and achieve an improved state of health.  By doing so, we are in effect maximizing the child’s learning potential, thereby expediting acquisition of skills that can be taught using the methodology of Applied Behavior Analysis. 
A review of biomedical treatments will be provided, including: diet and digestion, supplementation and detoxification. Their scientific basis and practical applications will also be discussed. Basic biochemistry involving detoxification, specifically methylation and transsulfuration, which are two of the healthy body's natural means of ridding itself of toxic substances, will be reviewed. Individuals with autism also often require supplements to provide them with the raw materials needed to carry out methylation and sulfation, which are important chemical events in the body.
This presentation will also provide the foundation for applications based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, and provide support for the effectiveness of behavior-based intervention with children diagnosed within the autism spectrum.   
Support for this “Best Practices” Model will be presented, and recent research will be identified to show successful outcomes with these protocols.  Case studies will be presented suggesting an acceleration of skill acquisition within an ABA therapy program when biomedical issues are also addressed.

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