The Effectiveness of Early Intensive Intervention in Modifying the Frequency of Repetitive Behavior for Children with ASD in Egypt

Abstract

The present study aims to test the effectiveness of an integrated training program for early intervention based on Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to improve some of the repetitive behavior patterns (stereotyped behavior, self-harm behavior, compulsive behavior, ritual behavior, sameness behavior, unrestricted behavior) among a sample of children with autism. It uses an experimental approach, with experimental and control groups (N = 17 for each group) and three-time interval assessments (pre, post and follow-up). The study uses several assessments such as the Goddard Measure of Intelligence, a Socio-economic Status Form (Abo Hamza & Helal, 2013), and the Stereotyped Behavior Scale (RBS-R) [1]. Statistical analysis has been performed using the Pearson correlation, and Chi-square, Mann- Whitney, Eta-squared and Z tests for each time assessment from the two groups to identify interaction effects. Results indicate that the intervention program has a positive effect on modifying the stereotyped behavior patterns in both post- and first follow-up assessment (after two weeks). However, the study shows no positive effect for the second follow-up assessment (after two months).