Parent-Led Applied Behavior Analysis to Impact Clinical Outcomes for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Retrospective Chart Review

Abstract BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) can have traits that impact multiple domains of functioning and quality of life, which can persevere throughout life. To mitigate the impact of ASD on the long-term trajectory of an individual’s life, it is imperative to seek e...

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Main Authors: Anurag Garikipati, Madalina Ciobanu, Navan Preet Singh, Gina Barnes, Frank A Dinenno, Jennifer Geisel, Qingqing Mao, Ritankar Das
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: JMIR Publications 2024-10-01
Series:JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Online Access:https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e62878
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author Anurag Garikipati
Madalina Ciobanu
Navan Preet Singh
Gina Barnes
Frank A Dinenno
Jennifer Geisel
Qingqing Mao
Ritankar Das
author_facet Anurag Garikipati
Madalina Ciobanu
Navan Preet Singh
Gina Barnes
Frank A Dinenno
Jennifer Geisel
Qingqing Mao
Ritankar Das
author_sort Anurag Garikipati
collection DOAJ
description Abstract BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) can have traits that impact multiple domains of functioning and quality of life, which can persevere throughout life. To mitigate the impact of ASD on the long-term trajectory of an individual’s life, it is imperative to seek early and adequate treatment via scientifically validated approaches, of which applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the gold standard. ABA treatment must be delivered via a behavior technician with oversight from a board-certified behavior analyst. However, shortages in certified ABA therapists create treatment access barriers for individuals on the autism spectrum. Increased ASD prevalence demands innovations for treatment delivery. Parent-led treatment models for neurodevelopmental conditions are effective yet underutilized and may be used to fill this care gap. ObjectiveThis study reports findings from a retrospective chart review of clinical outcomes for children that received parent-led ABA treatment and intends to examine the sustained impact that modifications to ABA delivery have had on a subset of patients of Montera, Inc. dba Forta (“Forta”), as measured by progress toward skill acquisition within multiple focus areas (FAs). MethodsParents received ≥40 hours of training in ABA prior to initiating treatment, and patients were prescribed focused (≤25 hours/week) or comprehensive (>25‐40 hours/week) treatment plans. Retrospective data were evaluated over ≥90 days for 30 patients. The clinical outcomes of patients were additionally assessed by age (2-5 years, 6-12 years, 13‐22 years) and utilization of prescribed treatment. Treatment encompassed skill acquisition goals; to facilitate data collection consistency, successful attempts were logged within a software application built in-house. ResultsImproved goal achievement success between weeks 1‐20 was observed for older age, all utilization, and both treatment plan type cohorts. Success rates increased over time for most FAs, with the exception of executive functioning in the youngest cohort and comprehensive plan cohort. Goal achievement experienced peaks and declines from week to week, as expected for ABA treatment; however, overall trends indicated increased skill acquisition success rates. Of 40 unique combinations of analysis cohorts and FAs, 20 showed statistically significant positive linear relationships (PPPPPPPPP ConclusionsParent-led ABA can lead to goal achievement and improved clinical outcomes and may be a viable solution to overcome treatment access barriers that delay initiation or continuation of care.
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spelling doaj-art-13dcc4e87d164376acae75a909c7f6e62025-08-20T02:18:57ZengJMIR PublicationsJMIR Pediatrics and Parenting2561-67222024-10-017e62878e6287810.2196/62878Parent-Led Applied Behavior Analysis to Impact Clinical Outcomes for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Retrospective Chart ReviewAnurag Garikipatihttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-2230-2187Madalina Ciobanuhttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-0608-4394Navan Preet Singhhttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-9563-1598Gina Barneshttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-8093-0245Frank A Dinennohttp://orcid.org/0000-0003-4644-3213Jennifer Geiselhttp://orcid.org/0009-0007-9490-5490Qingqing Maohttp://orcid.org/0000-0001-6001-6723Ritankar Dashttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-1326-844X Abstract BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) can have traits that impact multiple domains of functioning and quality of life, which can persevere throughout life. To mitigate the impact of ASD on the long-term trajectory of an individual’s life, it is imperative to seek early and adequate treatment via scientifically validated approaches, of which applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the gold standard. ABA treatment must be delivered via a behavior technician with oversight from a board-certified behavior analyst. However, shortages in certified ABA therapists create treatment access barriers for individuals on the autism spectrum. Increased ASD prevalence demands innovations for treatment delivery. Parent-led treatment models for neurodevelopmental conditions are effective yet underutilized and may be used to fill this care gap. ObjectiveThis study reports findings from a retrospective chart review of clinical outcomes for children that received parent-led ABA treatment and intends to examine the sustained impact that modifications to ABA delivery have had on a subset of patients of Montera, Inc. dba Forta (“Forta”), as measured by progress toward skill acquisition within multiple focus areas (FAs). MethodsParents received ≥40 hours of training in ABA prior to initiating treatment, and patients were prescribed focused (≤25 hours/week) or comprehensive (>25‐40 hours/week) treatment plans. Retrospective data were evaluated over ≥90 days for 30 patients. The clinical outcomes of patients were additionally assessed by age (2-5 years, 6-12 years, 13‐22 years) and utilization of prescribed treatment. Treatment encompassed skill acquisition goals; to facilitate data collection consistency, successful attempts were logged within a software application built in-house. ResultsImproved goal achievement success between weeks 1‐20 was observed for older age, all utilization, and both treatment plan type cohorts. Success rates increased over time for most FAs, with the exception of executive functioning in the youngest cohort and comprehensive plan cohort. Goal achievement experienced peaks and declines from week to week, as expected for ABA treatment; however, overall trends indicated increased skill acquisition success rates. Of 40 unique combinations of analysis cohorts and FAs, 20 showed statistically significant positive linear relationships (PPPPPPPPP ConclusionsParent-led ABA can lead to goal achievement and improved clinical outcomes and may be a viable solution to overcome treatment access barriers that delay initiation or continuation of care.https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e62878
spellingShingle Anurag Garikipati
Madalina Ciobanu
Navan Preet Singh
Gina Barnes
Frank A Dinenno
Jennifer Geisel
Qingqing Mao
Ritankar Das
Parent-Led Applied Behavior Analysis to Impact Clinical Outcomes for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Retrospective Chart Review
JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
title Parent-Led Applied Behavior Analysis to Impact Clinical Outcomes for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Retrospective Chart Review
title_full Parent-Led Applied Behavior Analysis to Impact Clinical Outcomes for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Retrospective Chart Review
title_fullStr Parent-Led Applied Behavior Analysis to Impact Clinical Outcomes for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Retrospective Chart Review
title_full_unstemmed Parent-Led Applied Behavior Analysis to Impact Clinical Outcomes for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Retrospective Chart Review
title_short Parent-Led Applied Behavior Analysis to Impact Clinical Outcomes for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum: Retrospective Chart Review
title_sort parent led applied behavior analysis to impact clinical outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum retrospective chart review
url https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e62878
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