Abstract
Although applied behavior analytic approaches have achieved greater attention as an effective treatment for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, there is a tremendous amount of misinformation about what constitutes applied behavior analysis. The foundational work conducted at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) by Ivar Lovaas, which became known as the Lovaas Model, stands as one of the most misinterpreted behaviorally based treatment approaches to date. Details are presented of the Young Autism Project (YAP), which followed the progress of 38 young children receiving varying intensities of ABA that emphasized language, social, behavior, play, and self-help skill development. Results of the project indicated that intensity of services does matter, as well as what type of services, when reviewing child outcomes posttreatment. The explicit message from the conclusions of this work is that there is no “single” Lovaas model. The model used in the YAP was dynamic and tailored to the needs of the child while relying on behavioral principles that had a strong research base of support. A contemporary implementation of the Lovaas model is described, with specific attention given to the high level of expertise required of the staff and strong parent involvement as necessary components of effective treatment.
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Leaf, R., McEachin, J. (2016). “The Lovaas Model: Love It or Hate It, But First Understand It”. In: Romanczyk, R., McEachin, J. (eds) Comprehensive Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40904-7_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40904-7_2
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