Abstract

A meta-analysis of 17 Psychinfo articles are presented to determine the effectiveness of treatment variables in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) treatment on the development of adaptive behavior skills. The treatment variables include theoretical approach, length of treatment plan, duration of each treatment session, early intervention status, parental involvement, individual or group therapy, clinical setting and the outcome measure is the Vineland adaptive behavior scales (VABS) composite and subscales (communication, daily living, socialization, and motor skills). The findings of the meta-analytical calculations suggest that early intervention and group therapy are most effective in the development of adaptive behavior skills, specifically communication skills and daily living skills. The conditions under which this finding applies, and the limitations of the research will be discussed when the results of the study are interpreted. It is suggested that intervention plans, and treatment variables included will be dependent on an individual’s specific ASD diagnosis. Therefore, there is no one treatment or treatment variable that will be most effective in the increase of adaptive behavior skills for all individuals with an ASD diagnosis, but this research may be a starting point for what may work in the development of a plan when looking at specific adaptive behavior skills and which treatment variables to include.

Semester/Year of Award

Spring 2021

Mentor

Myra Beth Bundy

Mentor Department Affiliation

Psychology

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Psychology

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