The effect of an applied behavior analysis based treatment on the participation of a kindergarten student with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a general education classroom

This project was developed with the intention of helping to integrate a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder more fully into a general education classroom. The study was a single case design experiment employing a multiple-baseline design across situations intended to increase appropriate participation and decrease inappropriate participation. The Competent Learner Model was used as a tool to develop observation skills and to identify target behaviors to change for the learner. An Applied Behavior Analysis based token-economy system served as the intervention, utilizing stickers in exchange for preferred activities. The intervention was applied at three intervals across two situations with each application related to an increase in appropriate participation and a decrease in inappropriate participation. The results supported the hypothesis that the intervention would have a positive effect on appropriate participation and a negative effect on inappropriate participation. An increase in trend and mean and a decrease in variability in targeted behaviors supported the intervention effect. This study further supports Applied Behavior Analysis as an effective tool in the classroom and as an aid to help integrate children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis into the general education classroom.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Learning Sciences and Human Development

Year dc:date.available

2009

Author dc:creator

• Slider, Brandi

Contributors dc:contributor

• Daniel E. Hursh.
• Reagan P. Curtis
• Barbara G. Warash

• Educational psychology
• Behavioral psychology
• Early childhood education

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/694

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-1697