An Approach Based in Petri Net for Requirement Analysis
Ermeson Andrade, Paulo Romero Martins Maciel, Gustavo Rau De Almeida Callou, Bruno Costa e Silva Nogueira, Carlos Araújo · InTech eBooks · 2010
IntroductionThe current chapter will present an overview of current effective teaching methods for children with autism.Applied behavior analysis has been referred to as the treatment of choice for those with autism (United States Surgeon General, 1999; New York State Department of Health, 1999a, 1999b, 1999c).At its core, applied behavior analysis is the data-and research-based application of behavioral principles to socially relevant behavior (Baer, et al., 1968;Cooper, et al., 2007;Wolf, 1978).Additional key components of applied behavior analysis are generalizability, conceptually systematic, technologically sound, practical, and effective (Baer, et al., 1968).These key components will be described below.Due to the pervasive nature of autism that results in dramatic impairments in communication and social behavior, along with restricted and repetitive behavior -the primary goals of treatment are to improve the child's communication and social behavior as well as reduce the occurrence of restricted and repetitive behavior (American Psychiatric Association, 2000).Applied behavior analysis has been demonstrated to be the treatment of choice for students with autism based on over 40 years of supportive evidence in improving social behavior and communication and reducing levels of problem behavior (Lovaas, 1987).The methods used in applied behavior analysis focus on targeting specific behavior, defining the behavior, designing an intervention to meet the goal of behavior change, implementing the intervention, analyzing the effectiveness of the intervention, and continuing the intervention or designing a procedure to maintain the behavior change (Cooper et al. 2007).Research approaches for teaching students with autism have been effective across social, communication, and problem behavior areas (Smith, 2001).Teaching methods will be reviewed in the current chapter along with staff training methods for building effectiveness and competency with those who teach students with autism (Reid & Green, 1980;Ryan & Hemmes, 2005, Ryan, et al., 2008). Applied Behavior Analysis -key componentsThis section of the chapter presents key terms as a review in applied behavior analysis (ABA).The brief review describes terms that are important for understanding the remainder of the chapter.ABA is a scientific method of teaching that is based on the principles of www.intechopen.comAutism Spectrum Disorders -From Genes to Environment 192 learning and behavior in which each target behavior is operationally defined and modified.Key components of ABA will be described below.ABA is the systematic, controlled, and empirical investigation of socially important behavior using empirically validated research-based and socially acceptable practices (Baer, et al., 1968;Cooper, et al., 2007, Newman et al., 2003).When we consider how socially important behavior change is, some considerations for a given individual, include: chronological age, behavioral repertoire, community, developmental age, family background, religious values, ethnicity, and other factors important to the individual.In addition, we consider approaches to behavior changes that are socially valid (Wolf, 1978).A second key component is that ABA is behavioral (Baer, et al, 1968;Newman et al., 2003).Practitioners of ABA studies observable, measurable responses.Data are collected in an ongoing manner.In teaching situations, repeated measurement and graphing of performance in a systematic way assists in monitoring progress over time.This allows continuous assessment of the effectiveness of teaching methods to guide trainers and teachers to modify programs and curricula to increase learning.In addition, monitoring and modifying staff behavior is crucial to a successful program.Furthermore, because objectivity is essential to science, reliability measures of all those involved are systematically obtained through inter-observer agreement data collection.ABA is analytic, meaning, empirical demonstration of functional relations between antecedent events, behavior, and consequent events (Baer, et al, 1968).All teaching methodology stems from research empirically demonstrating the effectiveness of stimuli presented by teachers before and after student performance.Furthermore, functional analysis of problem behavior is performed before implementation and continuation of behavior reduction programs.ABA is technological (Baer, et al, 1968).All behavior that needs to be changed is precisely defined, and all procedures and methods used are explicitly described in a step-by-step fashion.ABA is also conceptually systematic, since all of its technology is directly related to the field of the experimental analysis of behavior.ABA is committed to teaching skills that are practical, effective, and can generalize to other responses, people, or settings (Baer, et al, 1968).Every educational program is selected according to whether it is appropriate, meaningful, and functional for the individual student.Research in applied behavior analysis strives to answer questions, such as: Is the skill likely to be maintained in the everyday, natural environment? Are the responses going to help improve the quality of the person's life? Can programming be conducted for generalization of skills to be used outside the teaching situation or learning environment? Can skills be taught so that generalization is shown spontaneously?Continuous research is directed toward answering the above questions and to measure and to increase the effectiveness and generality of applied behavior analytic methodology.In terms of how ABA may benefit students with autism, there are several considerations (New York State Department of Health, 1999a, 1999b, 1999c).Each student is systematically observed for current behavioral functioning.Based on the student's behavior repertoire, behavior excesses and deficits are identified and long-term and short-term goals are devised.Each student is taught using an individualized curriculum using positive reinforcement to encourage accurate responding.Programs and treatment plans are research-and data-based.Programs include an individualized teaching strategy.The effectiveness of teaching and treatment implementation is evaluated in an ongoing manner www.intechopen.com How to referenceIn order to correctly reference this scholarly work, feel free to copy and paste the following: