Types of Behavior Modification
Behavior modification is the principle of analyzing and altering behaviors through a specific mode of treatment. Behavior modification programs for developmentally delayed or handicapped children are examples of the more common forms of its use. Particular techniques used for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have been especially useful in the classroom, as stated in many scholarly articles such as one published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis in 1977. The variations of behavior modification include method supported with scientific research as well as those that prevail despite inconclusive research.
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Applied Behavior Analysis
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Probably the most popular and well-known type of behavior modification, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), helps improve symptoms of autism and other similar disorders. ABA therapy attempts to teach young children who have difficulties learning due to their disorder by using a one-on-one approach with an individualized and repetitious program of study that focuses on basic skills such as stacking blocks or using the toilet. In addition, ABA utilizes positive reinforcement and can eliminate the severe types of negative behaviors often associated with autism such as aggressive outbursts toward others.
Son-Rise
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The Son-Rise method of behavior modification differs greatly from most other types because parents of an autistic child developed it. Instead of using prior research and studies, Barry Neil Kaufman and Samahria Lyte Kaufman created the Son-Rise after finding that their methods worked on their own child who was considered by doctors to be unreachable. Despite the large amounts of data available supporting ABA, Son-Rise does not believe in the repetitious nature of it and instead centers its program on motivation. Parents attend a seminar to learn the techniques that in turn make the Son-Rise program somewhat unreliable, according to a study published in 2006 in the journal Autism.
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Treatment and Education of Autistics and Related Communication Handicapped Children
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The Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH) method of behavior modification concentrates on structured teaching that, unlike most other methods, is ideal for Autistic people of all ages. After creating an individualized program for the person, the TEACCH method uses visual aids to impart understanding. Although the TEACCH method by nature is more difficult to prove effective using scientific research, The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published a study in 2009 suggesting that the TEACCH method does seem to provide some improvements.
Verbal Behavior
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Verbal Behavior is a modernized version of ABA that focuses on speech and its importance. The famous behaviorist B.F. Skinner, who also laid the groundwork for ABA with his positive reinforcement findings, first introduced Verbal Behavior in 1957. By teaching children with special needs that speech and language are the key to satisfying their wants and needs, verbal behavior uses conditioning and reinforcement to teach communication.
The Greenspan Method
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The focus of The Greenspan Method, also known as the developmental, individual-difference, relationship-based model (DIR) is floor time. Floor time is a brief period of interaction between child and teacher that takes place, as the name suggests, on the floor where eye contact occurs more readily. Created by a child psychiatrist, Dr. Stanley Greenspan's method relies heavily on taking the child back to the very first developmental milestone where learning can begin again. After being educated on the milestones, parents identify which areas need further development. Unlike ABA and some of the other methods of behavior modification, The Greenspan Method has insufficient amounts of empirical data or research published by people other than the creator and his supporters.
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