Supporting Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) During Needle-related Hospital Visits Through the Use of Behavior Analytic Strategies

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the behavior analytic intervention in reducing the number of challenging behaviors exhibited by patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while increasing compliance with needle-related simulations and procedures. A second purpose is to assess the social validity of this study as evidenced by patient and/or caregiver acceptability. The study wil take place at Boston Medical Center (BMC). A Single Subject Design (SSD) wil be utilized as it allows for detailed, individualized assessment of how interventions affect behavior over time in this type of behavior analytic research. By focusing on each participant as an individual and having each participant act as their own control, it demonstrates clear cause-and-effect relationships, showing how behavior changes with the introduction or withdrawal of an intervention. This method is flexible, enabling ongoing adjustments to treatments based on real-time data, making it particularly useful in personalized interventions and ensuring effectiveness for patients with unique needs such as those who would be eligible to enroll and participate in this study.

Eligibility

Age range

3+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Behavioral
  Treatment Package (for both simulation and procedure sessions

  Treatment Package for both simulation and procedure sessions will include visit priming (contingency specifying stimuli in the form of social stories and YouTube videos) and differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA).

Location