Neurodiversity and Autism Intervention: Reconciling Perspectives Through a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention Framework - PubMed (original) (raw)

Neurodiversity and Autism Intervention: Reconciling Perspectives Through a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention Framework

Rachel K Schuck et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Proponents of autism intervention and those of the neurodiversity movement often appear at odds, the former advocating for intensive treatments and the latter arguing that autism must be accepted as a form of diversity. The history of behavioral intervention has understandably outraged many in the Autistic community, though many still value supports focused on quality of life. This commentary argues that Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) hold promise for bridging the gap between early intervention and the neurodiversity movement. However, we recognize NDBIs have much room to grow and suggest multiple strategies for improvement. We believe these updates are not only feasible for clinicians and researchers to implement but will ultimately lead to improved quality of life for Autistic individuals.

Keywords: Autism; Naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention; Neurodiversity.

© 2021. The Author(s).

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

RKS, DMT, KMPB, AO, EFF, MJM, SKP, and TWV are all clinicians at the Koegel Autism Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara, a center focused on providing Pivotal Response Treatment, an NDBI. TWV is the center director. TWV, KMPB, MJM, and JFJ are Board Certified Behavior Analysts. PD and ZJW both serve on the autistic researcher review board of the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P), and ZJW is a member of the family advisory committee of the Autism Speaks Autism Learning Health Network Vanderbilt site. ZJW also serves as a consultant for Roche on a project related to behavioral intervention for autism.

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. ABA Skill Share. (n.d.). In Facebook [Group]. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/468796353324099
    1. Alkhaldi RS, Sheppard E, Mitchell P. Is there a link between autistic people being perceived unfavorably and having a mind that is difficult to read? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2019;49:3973–3982. doi: 10.1007/s10803-019-04101-1. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). 10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
    1. Ask me, I’m autistic (24 hr rule!). (n.d.). In Facebook [Group]. Retrieved November 11, 2020, from https://www.facebook.com/groups/askautistics/
    1. AStrangerinGodzone. (2011, 14 November). Behavioural therapy - ‘normalization’ vs. ‘teaching of skills’. Retrieved from http://strangeringodzone.blogspot.com/2011/

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources