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A home-based approach to the treatment of autistic children

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Abstract

A study to evaluate a developmental/behavioral approach to the treatment of autistic children is described in detail, with particular reference to the advantages of using parents as therapists and of basing treatment on the home rather than on the clinic. Emphasis is laid on an adequate assessment of the child and family and on a functional analysis of behavior so that treatment techniques may be adapted to the individual needs of the child and to the particular family circumstances. Treatment is systematically monitored throughout. Attention is paid both to aiding more normal social and linguistic development and to the removal of maladaptive behaviors using a range of behavioral and operant techniques, which are illustrated by 9 examples from the 12 experimental cases assessed by the authors up to date. Highlights of the study are evaluated and discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Psychiatry and Maudsley Hospital, London

    Patricia Howlin, Rosemary Marchant, Michael Rutter, Michael Berger, Lionel Hersov & William Yule

Authors
  1. Patricia Howlin
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  2. Rosemary Marchant
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  3. Michael Rutter
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  4. Michael Berger
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  5. Lionel Hersov
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  6. William Yule
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Additional information

We are indebted to Mrs. Fraida Sussenwein who played an active role in the development of the therapeutic approach at an earlier stage. The study is supported by a grant from the (British) Department of Health and Social Security.

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Howlin, P., Marchant, R., Rutter, M. et al. A home-based approach to the treatment of autistic children. J Autism Dev Disord 3, 308–336 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01538540

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