THE IMPACT OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS ON BASIC LEARNING AND ACADEMIC SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM: AN INTERVENTION STUDY

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopment disorder that has mental and emotional consequences that affect the person’s ability to interact with others socially and also exhibit interest in restricted repetitive behaviors. The term spectrum is used as a generalization of the wide range of symptoms, ability levels as well as behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder. The study aimed to estimate and investigate the significant impact of applied behavior analysis based on learning and academic skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 70 participant’s ages 6 to 12 years and diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Pre- and Post-assessment techniques were used. The results obtained in post assessment were improved as compared to the results of pre-assessment. The study strongly supported the conclusion respecting the effectiveness of applied behavior analysis interventions concerning the academic and fundamental learning competencies of children with autism spectrum disorder. This was evident when checking out the correlation between the domains of therapeutic and educational goals and applied behavior analysis as it is widely applicable for therapeutic and educational purposes.