Autism Spectrum Disorder: Characteristics, Associated Behaviors, and Early Intervention

Tiffany Kodak; Samantha Bergmann

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2020.02.007

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Characteristics, Associated Behaviors, and Early Intervention

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2020 Jun;67(3):525-535. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2020.02.007. Epub 2020 May 4.

Authors

Tiffany Kodak¹, Samantha Bergmann²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, Marquette University, 525 North 6th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA. Electronic address: tiffany.kodak@marquette.edu.
² Department of Behavior Analysis, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310919, Denton, TX 76203-5017, USA.

PMID: 32443991
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2020.02.007

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Currently, ASD affects 1 in 59 individuals and can be a costly disorder across one's lifetime. Because of the prevalence, costs, and range of behavioral needs, early intervention is vital to teach skills across a variety of domains and prevent the development or exacerbation of behavioral deficits and excesses. Interventions based on applied behavior analysis have the most empirical support; several strategies to teach social skills, communication, and adaptive skills are discussed.

Keywords: ASD; Adaptive behavior; Autism spectrum disorder; Early behavioral intervention; Early intervention; Language; Social skills.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Autism Spectrum Disorder / complications*
Autism Spectrum Disorder / therapy*
Behavior Therapy / methods*
Child
Child, Preschool
Early Intervention, Educational
Humans
Problem Behavior*