Conquistas e desafios da Análise do Comportamento Aplicada no trabalho para pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista: questões de eficácia e de formação de profissionais

Abstract

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions have been recommended for individuals with ASD since the 1980s as the main treatment for deficits arising from the disorder. There was a growing demand for professionals who can work with ABA interventions. At the same time, there have been several proposals for alternative treatments without sufficient evidences to their recommendation. Was established a controversial atmosphere about the effectiveness of ABA interventions and questions about the quality of the professionals who delivered such services. This thesis aims, in Study 1, critically evaluate and identify the criteria used by systematic reviews and meta-analysis research for generating conclusions about the effectiveness of ABA intervention for individuals with ASD. In Study 2, the goal was identifying behaviour analytic recommendations about minimum skills and competencies to delivery of high quality services by Supervisor/Planner and Applicator of ABA interventions. Results showed, from different criteria used by the meta-analysis research, most of the conclusions were moderate/medium or strong/large effect sizes of ABA interventions. The results of study1 showed that Baer, Wolf and Risley (1968) s criteria aren t considered by the meta-analysis for ABA interventions evidences evaluating, they are still proving effective and being considered as an evidence-based practice for the individuals with TEA treatment. Study 2 showed that there is little similarity between documents of recommendations about both professional s competencies who work at ABA intervention for ASD. This results indicating that Supervisor/Planner and Applicator s repertoire should be different. Based documents analysis and synthesis, this study presented a new proposal on possible skills, competencies, functions and expertise that the Supervisor/Planner and the Applicator of such intervention should have. In the face of several challenges to increase knowledge and effectiveness about ABA interventions and their professional s efficiency, future research should be realized to increase access and recognition of this kind of information to scientific community from other biomedical sciences and consumers of ABA s delivery services for individuals with ASD