Intensive Behavioral Treatment for Young Autistic Children

Behavioral interventions have become very effective in helping young (preschool) autistic children. This chapter describes these children, the behavioral interventions used for them, the philosophy underlying the interventions, and the findings and implications of a treatment study on such interventions. The treatment study was carried out by our research team at the Young Autism Project in the Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, which has concerned itself mostly with the treatment of autistic children less than 4 years old. Though the study focused on autistic children, it may also be relevant for other young, disadvantaged children; this possibility will be explored. First some statements about the general context and philosophy within which we have approached our work.

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