What I Wish I Knew About Interventions and Treatments for Persons with Autism (3 Credits)
Heyyy BCBA Ruby here!
Looking back at my graduate school experience, one course that really stood out was Interventions and Treatments for Persons with Autism (3 credits). It was one of those courses that felt like a whole new world—full of new strategies, research, and complexities. At the time, I thought it was going to be straightforward: “Learn some interventions, learn the treatments, and we’re good to go!” But what I wish I knew back then was how much nuance and personalization goes into choosing the right approach for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Here are the key things I wish I had known before diving into this course and starting my journey into autism interventions.
1. It’s Not Just About the Intervention, It’s About the Person
One thing I quickly learned was that interventions are not one-size-fits-all. Every individual with autism is unique, and the interventions and treatments that work for one person may not work for another. Sure, there are tried-and-tested methods like ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, but personalization is everything.
In the course, I was taught to think of interventions as part of a bigger picture. It's about understanding each individual’s strengths, challenges, environment, and goals. What might seem like a simple technique in theory may not have the same effect in practice if it’s not tailored to the person’s needs.
2. The Importance of Collaboration
When I first started, I didn’t fully appreciate just how much collaboration is required between professionals. Sure, ABA and therapy teams work together, but it's a multi-disciplinary effort—you’ll have speech therapists, occupational therapists, school staff, and even family members all involved. This course really emphasized how essential it is to create a collaborative treatment plan.
Interventions often need to be reinforced at home, in school settings, and in a variety of contexts to ensure success. I learned that while I, as an aspiring BCBA, would have an important role in developing and implementing interventions, it was just as important to lean on other experts in the field for their input. Sometimes the most effective interventions come from pooling together expertise from multiple areas of knowledge.
3. The Science Behind the Interventions
A lot of the time, we focus on the “how” and “what” of interventions, but this course really drilled into me the “why.” Understanding the evidence-based principles behind treatments like ABA and social skills training gave me a whole new level of appreciation for the work we do.
I had to get familiar with the research that supports these methods and how to properly evaluate whether they are effective. This is especially important as new research is constantly emerging, and knowing how to critically analyze these findings will help me stay informed and improve the way I deliver interventions. It’s not enough to just know what works in theory; I had to learn to understand why it works and how to apply it in real-world situations.
4. Behavior Management Isn’t Always What You Think
In my early days of studying ABA, I was guilty of thinking that behavior management was all about punishment and reinforcement—simple stuff, right? But the course taught me that it’s so much more complex than that.
It’s about creating environments where positive behaviors are reinforced, understanding antecedents, and focusing on long-term skill acquisition. The goal isn’t just to reduce challenging behaviors, but to help individuals build skills that improve their quality of life. And in doing that, we need to understand what drives behavior and how to motivate individuals in ways that lead to meaningful changes.
What really stood out to me was how much I had to adjust my thinking from short-term behavior changes to long-term functional outcomes for each person I worked with.
5. The Role of Family and Caregivers
One thing I didn’t fully grasp until taking this course was just how critical family involvement is when it comes to interventions. No matter how many hours a therapist spends with a child, family members play a huge role in reinforcing the skills and interventions outside of therapy hours. They are the ones who live with the child and experience their challenges daily, so they need to be equipped with the right tools.
I also learned that it’s not just about teaching families but also about supporting them through what can often be a difficult journey. Families need guidance on how to implement strategies at home, manage emotions, and even access resources to better support their loved one.
6. There Is No “One Best” Treatment
As I went deeper into this course, I realized that there’s no singular, magical treatment. Autism interventions are multifaceted, and what works for one individual may not work for another. For instance, ABA might be the most effective approach for someone who needs to develop communication skills, but a speech therapy approach might be more helpful for someone with expressive language difficulties.
The key takeaway here is that individualized treatment plans are the most successful. That doesn’t just mean picking a method and sticking with it forever; it means being willing to adapt, learn from the process, and make changes as needed.
7. Understanding the Complexity of Comorbidities
Many individuals with autism also experience comorbid conditions, such as anxiety, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders. This course really emphasized that we need to take a holistic approach when treating autism, and recognize that it’s not just about addressing the autism spectrum disorder itself—it’s about understanding the whole person.
I learned that when comorbid conditions are present, treatment plans need to take them into account, and we may need to integrate other therapies or adjust our interventions to meet those needs.
8. The Power of Advocacy
One last thing that I didn’t realize until this course is how much we, as behavior analysts, can be advocates for individuals with autism. Whether it’s advocating for better resources, a more inclusive environment, or parent rights, behavior analysts have a unique role in not only delivering therapy but also influencing systemic change. I now see that my work extends beyond individual sessions; it’s about empowering families, teachers, and communities to create better systems of support for those with autism.
Key Takeaways:
Interventions should always be personalized to meet the unique needs of each individual with autism.
Collaboration between professionals and families is crucial for successful outcomes.
Understanding the research behind interventions makes a huge difference in how effective they are.
Behavior management is about building skills and creating long-term positive change, not just stopping problem behavior.
Families are critical partners in the process—they need to be empowered and supported.
Comorbidity is common, and treatment plans need to address the whole individual, not just autism itself.
As behavior analysts, we have the power to advocate for meaningful change and better services.
That’s a wrap! If you’re heading into a similar course or already in the field, remember that the journey is full of continuous learning. Stay curious, be patient with yourself, and keep advocating for the people you serve! 🌟
