title: Behavioral treatment of autistic persons: a review of research from 1980 to the present.
abstract: Studies evaluating behavioral treatment of autism from 1980 to the present were reviewed. Studies included were published in journal articles and utilized behavioral methodology. A total of 251 studies were included in the review. Each study was analyzed for target behaviors and behavioral techniques implemented. Target behaviors were divided into categories, which included aberrant behaviors, social skills, language, daily living skills, and academic skills. Behavioral techniques were classified as positive, negative, extinction, or combined. Results were presented for each category. Recent trends in the treatment literature were also reviewed, and recommendations for future research were presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Matson
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Benavidez
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Compton
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Paclawskyj
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Baglio
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome