Johnny L. Matson talks with
ScienceWatch.com and answers a few questions about
this month's Fast Breaking Paper in the field of Social
Sciences, general.
Article Title: Determining treatment outcome in
early intervention programs for
autism spectrum disorders: A
critical analysis of measurement issues in learning
based interventions
Authors: Matson,
JL
Journal: RES DEVELOP DISABIL
Volume: 28
Issue: 2
Page: 207-218
Year: MAR-APR 2007
* Louisiana State Univ, Dept Psychol, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
USA.
* Louisiana State Univ, Dept Psychol, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
USA.
Why do you think your paper is highly
cited?
With the recent surge in interest surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorders
(ASD), the pressure is on to develop evidence-based interventions which can
be successfully implemented at a young age. This article is most likely
highly cited because it gives a concise overview of early intervention
treatment modalities specific to ASDs. Furthermore, it is among the first
to report on various dependent variables used in treatment research and how
these variables could influence treatment outcomes.
Does it describe a new discovery, methodology, of
synthesis of knowledge?
This article is a first attempt to synthesize what is currently known in
the research literature regarding early interventions, both pharmacological
and behavioral. ASDs are a "fad magnet" and, therefore, the purpose of this
paper was two-fold. First, to give clinicians data on what are considered
efficacious interventions for individuals diagnosed with an ASD. Second, to
encourage researchers to continue investigating early ASD treatment
practices in a more scientific manner.
Would you summarize the significance of your paper in
layman's terms?
"...I do foresee the need to develop
more efficient methods of treatment
monitoring and tracking skill
acquisition."
While it is imperative that children diagnosed with an ASD receive
intervention as soon as possible, it is equally crucial that the treatment
is scientifically validated. There is an amalgamation of unsupported
treatments out there that are not effective. What we do know is that
behaviorally based and, to some degree, pharmacological studies have shown
the most promise as being empirically supported. Unfortunately, many
studies employing these interventions have serious methodological flaws.
Tactics that researchers should consider using to increase the validity of
future treatment research include using a matched control group of
typically developing same-aged peers; employing more group-based designs
instead of single-case research; using measures which are applicable to
ASDs and associated problems (e.g., comorbid Axis I disorders, social skill
deficits, language problems, challenging behaviors); stringent criteria for
assessing treatment fidelity; and more systematic methods for establishing
clinical success.
How did you become involved in this research, and were
there any problems along the way?
I have been working with individuals diagnosed with intellectual
disabilities and developmental disabilities for over 30 years. My research
mainly focuses on accurate assessment of various aspects of treatment and
the functioning of people with intellectual disabilities and autism
spectrum disorders.
Now, more than ever, there is much out there in regards to interventions
for ASDs. Unfortunately, there is also a dearth of stringent criteria for
what is regarded as effective scientifically versus what is not. Given that
there are parents who will try any intervention in the hopes of helping
their child with ASD, there is a critical need for better methods of
dictating what is supported versus what is not.
Where do you see your research leading in the
future?
There is still much to be done in regards to accurate assessment and
treatment implementation in the field of ASDs. However, I do foresee the
need to develop more efficient methods of treatment monitoring and tracking
skill acquisition. Further studies must focus on the developmental
trajectories of young children with ASD into adulthood so researchers can
better understand the disorder itself and validate the use of early
intervention practices.
Do you foresee any social or political implications for
your research?
The implications for policymakers (state mental health authorities,
legislators, insurance companies) are great, as researchers develop more
evidence-based practices for those with ASDs. The implication for the
clients and their families is that there will be effective treatment and
rehabilitation interventions that must be advocated for.
Johnny L. Matson
Department of Psychology
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA, USA Web