The Effect of Parent Implemented Interventions for Autism on Parent Ratings of Maladaptive Behavior

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between parent implemented interventions for Autism and ratings of maladaptive behavior over a 6 month period of time. Participants were children between the ages of two and six years diagnosed with Autism and their primary care providers. Repeated measures ANOVAs and visual analysis of graphically represented mean scores were used to examine the differences between the parent reported ratings of maladaptive behaviors across two treatment groups consisting of an ABA/Verbal Behavior (ABA/VB) intervention model, a Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) model, and a control or treatment as usual (TAU) group across a 6 month enrollment period. Results indicated a lack of statistically significant findings however substantial effect sizes and changes in mean scoring indicating meaningful differences across groups and over assessment periods was found. Overall, treatment groups were found to have greater reductions in maladaptive behaviors versus the treatment as usual group. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.