CONTROVERSIAL TREATMENTS
Numerous controversial treatments are promoted for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Almost all behavior analysts agree that these treatments lack sufficient empirical support. These treatments include facilitated communication, sensory integration, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, elimination diets, chelation therapy, floortime, and more. Conduct an Internet search for information on one of the topics mentioned above. If you would like to choose a topic not listed, first message your instructor for approval to be sure it is not evidence based. Also research the treatment in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysisor other professional ABA journals.
Identify at least one pro statement that supports the use of the treatment. These may come from experts, therapists, parents, or others. Also, identify at least one con statement that opposes or refutes the treatment.
Summarize these statements and evaluate your findings. Discuss at least three relevant ethics codes that you have learned in this course thus far.
Explain how to effectively evaluate treatments to determine if they are evidence based or not.
Explain, in your conclusion, how you would discuss the importance of using evidence-based strategies with colleagues and the families with whom you work while also respecting other professions and the people involved.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
Competency 1: Analyze ethical responsibilities to colleagues and to the profession.
Explain how to effectively evaluate treatments to determine if they are evidence based or not.
Competency 2: Analyze ethical responsibilities related to practitioner-client relationships and practitioner-family relationships.
Explain how to communicate the importance of using evidence-based strategies to colleagues and family members.
Competency 3: Evaluate assessment and intervention methods using the BACB ethical code.
Describe a controversial treatment.
Identify one pro statement and one con statement regarding the controversial treatment.
Evaluate the controversial treatment using at least three of the BACB ethics codes.
Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
Demonstrate an academic writing style through well-organized prose that follows assignment guidelines.
Demonstrate compliance with current APA style, citation, and referencing guidelines.
