A therapeutic intervention program for young adults with severe autism at the Oasi Institute in Troina Sicily is examined. The program, which integrates gentle teaching, humanistic applied behavior analysis, and functional communication training, values human interactions and provides opportunities to acquire functional skills through errorless learning activities. Reported are the results of an 18-month study to determine whether significant improvements in functional communication skills and an accompanying reduction in maladaptive/stereotypic behaviors could be evidenced in the environment using gentle teaching and positive approaches. The guiding principles of the program, its design, and staff training components are described along with an analysis of program findings.
Improving functional communication skills in adolescents and young adults with severe autism using gentle teaching and positive approaches
Buono S;
2003-01-01
Abstract
A therapeutic intervention program for young adults with severe autism at the Oasi Institute in Troina Sicily is examined. The program, which integrates gentle teaching, humanistic applied behavior analysis, and functional communication training, values human interactions and provides opportunities to acquire functional skills through errorless learning activities. Reported are the results of an 18-month study to determine whether significant improvements in functional communication skills and an accompanying reduction in maladaptive/stereotypic behaviors could be evidenced in the environment using gentle teaching and positive approaches. The guiding principles of the program, its design, and staff training components are described along with an analysis of program findings.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
