Question 1

Chance is a young boy with autism. Recently his parents have discovered a way to treat his disorder and have begun training in applied behaviour analysis. After 4 years of using this treatment with their son, which of the following complaints might they have?

Accepted Answer

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) can be intensive and time-consuming, often requiring significant parental involvement, which might lead to one parent needing to quit their job to manage the treatment schedule effectively.

Question 2

Which of the following is central to the applied behavioural analysis approach (ABA) to the treatment of autism?

Accepted Answer

The applied behavioural analysis (ABA) approach to the treatment of autism is based on operant conditioning principles, which involve reinforcing desired behaviors and withholding reinforcement for undesired behaviors in order to shape behavior. This approach is not limited to use by professionals and is often used by parents as well. ABA is typically implemented for extended periods of time rather than short-term interventions, and is not dependent on children being in a structured school setting.

Question 3

Applied behavioural analysis therapy (ABA) has been used specifically to treat:

Accepted Answer

ABA therapy is primarily used for children with autism spectrum disorder to help them learn new skills and decrease problematic behaviors. It is not typically used for borderline personality disorder, ADHD, or antisocial personality disorder.

Question 4

In summarizing what is known about the treatment of autism, you should conclude that even though there are problems with this treatment, ____________ have shown the most promise.

Accepted Answer

Behavior modification techniques, particularly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), have shown the most promise in treating autism by improving communication, social skills, and reducing problematic behaviors.

Question 5

According to your textbook, the prognosis for a child with autism is:

Accepted Answer

The prognosis for a child with autism is often considered challenging because many treatments are difficult to maintain or have not consistently shown promise in significantly altering the course of the disorder.

Question 6

Tory is a 6-year-old boy with autism who has been in applied behaviour analysis treatment for the past 4 years. Which of the following statements will be most accurate about Tory's current situation?

Accepted Answer

The statement that Tory's treatment is "very time-consuming and intense" indicates that the treatment is challenging to implement, but the fact that his IQ is now similar to neurotypical children his age suggests that the treatment is effective. It's possible that Tory still requires specialized educational services, but the statement implies that his overall functioning has significantly improved. It's also worth noting that the statement doesn't provide information on Tory's emotional state, so we can't assume that he is either satisfied or dissatisfied with his treatment.

Question 7

If drug treatments previously tried for autism were effective, which of the following treatment combinations would be recommended for people with autism, and what would be the effects of taking these two drugs?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin agonists have been shown to reduce repetitive behaviours and oxytocin agonists have been shown to improve social bonding in individuals with autism. Therefore, the combination of these two drugs would be recommended for people with autism.

Question 8

How do serotonin agonist drugs affect children with autism?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin agonist drugs have been shown to reduce repetitive, self-stimulating behaviours, which are common in children with autism. This can lead to improvements in overall functioning and quality of life for the child. However, these drugs do not necessarily improve social interactions or communication skills.

Question 9

The case of the child with autism named James reported in the text reveals:

Accepted Answer

The text describes how James' therapy involves intensive one-on-one work with a therapist for 40 hours a week, which highlights the labour-intensive nature of the preferred therapeutic intervention for autism. The other options are not supported by the text, as the structured school setting is mentioned but not presented as the most important factor in James' recovery, not all children with autism may function normally with treatment, and drug treatment is not presented as superior in this case.

Quiz 15: Treatment of Psychological Disorders