New directions in behavioral treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
OBJECTIVE
The review explores current trends in the behavioral intervention literature for children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during 2008 and 2009. Noteworthy findings and intervention strategies are highlighted. Additionally, the quality of all reviewed studies is systematically evaluated.


RESULTS
During 2008 and 2009, there was nearly a quarter increase in the number of behavioral intervention studies, as well as more randomized controlled trials and approaches other than applied behavior analysis. Many of the studies investigated commonly used ASD intervention practices or novel treatments. A few were conducted with underserved populations, such as toddlers and adults with ASD. Social impairment was the focus of the largest number of intervention studies. A small percentage of studies were rated as high-quality.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the reviewed studies suggest that ASD-specific deficits can be improved through behavioral intervention. However, whereas progress continues to be made in our understanding of effective treatments for children with ASD, confidence in these findings would be improved with higher-quality studies.
Kasari
Connie
C
Psychological Studies in Education and Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California, Los Angeles, USA. kasari@gseis.ucla.edu
Lawton
Kathy
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000628:therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans