Recommendations for reporting independent variables in outcome studies of early and intensive behavioral intervention for autism

Behav Modif. 2008 Jul;32(4):489-503. doi: 10.1177/0145445507309034.

Abstract

Early and intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) has been established as an effective treatment for autism. However, the complexity and intensity of EIBI programs make it difficult to fully report all critical aspects of the independent variable. Consequently, scientific reports of EIBI outcomes have been criticized for providing less than comprehensive treatment descriptions. In an effort to address this problem, the present article provides a template to aid outcome researchers in (a) clearly reporting each participant's curricular targets and (b) describing critical aspects of treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / therapy*
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Data Collection
  • Documentation / methods
  • Early Intervention, Educational*
  • Education
  • Humans
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • Research
  • Treatment Outcome