APPLICATION OF SKINNER’S WORK TO AUTISM
The work of B. F. Skinner has led to a number of important applications to human behavior. Perhaps most significant has been the well-documented success of applied behavior analysis for the treatment of autism as well as other developmental disabilities (National Standards Report, 2009). There are five general aspects of Skinnerian science that have contributed to these results:
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(1)the teaching technology known as applied behavior analysis (ABA);
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(2)the analysis and treatment of behavior problems;
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(3)the analysis of child development;
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(4)the analysis of verbal behavior and its application to language assessment and intervention; and
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(5)a robust single-subject research methodology that has provided the evidenced-based foundation for autism treatment. Each contribution will be briefly described below.
(1) Skinner’s work is best known for the basic teaching procedures that constitute Applied Behavior Analysis, (e.g. reinforcement, shaping, prompting, fading, chaining). The details of this methodology can be found in many basic texts as well in the journals listed at the end of this page.
(2) A common problem experienced by many individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities involves behavior problems (e.g., tantrums, physical aggression, property destruction, self-injurious behaviors). Behavior analysis has a long history of providing effective treatments for these problems. The methodology known as functional behavior assessment (FBA) provides clinicians, school personnel, and parents with an effective non-aversive strategy for reducing or eliminating any number of problematic behaviors by teaching alternative “replacement” behaviors.
(3) A thorough understanding of human development is essential for treating children and adults with special needs. Skinner’s analysis has provided a foundation for this understanding by identifying the conditions and circumstances related to human development and learning.
(4) Most persons with autism or other developmental disabilities suffer from a variety of language disorders. Skinner provided a behavioral analysis of language in his book Verbal Behavior (1957) that has led to a number of applications to language assessment and intervention. One of the behavioral journals (The Analysis of Verbal Behavior) is devoted entirely to Skinner’s work on language.
(5) A hallmark of Skinnerian science is single-subject empirical research that compares individual or group behavior under different conditions. This type of research has allowed scientists and practitioners to isolate relevant independent variables in a manner that is impossible with traditional group design research. The results have provided professionals in the human services with a host of evidence-based practices that have proven effective for a wide variety of individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities. The list of behavioral journals below give a sample of the single subject research that has been done.
In summary, the basic science Skinner began, known as behavior analysis, behaviorology or the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, has produced the most widely recognized and effective assessment and treatment programs for individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities. Research in this area has been robust, and many new forms of treatment are regularly becoming available in the behavior analysis literature.
A sample of current professional journals containing Skinner’s work.
Behavior Analysis in Practice
Behavioral Development Bulletin
Behavior Modification
Education and Treatment of Children
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
Journal of Early and Intensive Behavioral Interventions
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Journal of Organizational Behavior Management
Psychological Record
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Analysis of Verbal Behavior
The Behavior Analyst