A Practical Guide to Finding Treatments that Work for People with Autism

A chapter review from the book Wilczynski, S. (2017). A Practical Guide to Finding Treatments That Work for People with Autism (Critical Specialties in Treating Autism and other Behavioral Challenges) (1st edition). Academic Press.

The entirety of Chapter 10 plays a significant role in evaluating the information necessary for deciding on initial treatments. Any evidence-based practice begins with the recognition of a problem that necessitates treatment for the client. The treatment process begins with a focus on scientific principles, quality, and evidence-based procedures while considering emerging practices that benefit clients. Health, preference, and social validity criteria are also considered when choosing therapies that will improve the client's quality of life. Following these preliminary phases, the treatment's practicality in real-world conditions is explored in terms of cost, support, and sustainability. The support of the environment is important in treatment selection, setting goals, planning, and implementing treatment with fidelity (Wilczynski, 2016). I find this part of environmental support and collaboration most relevant to families who are selecting treatments. It is not only the consideration of having multiple treatments that can make things complicated, but also how a client is guaranteed that everyone is heading in the same direction where treatment fidelity is implemented. Given the challenge of time and resources for everyone, an effective data collection system is advantageous for monitoring progress and determining whether a treatment should be maintained, modified, or abandoned.

I read multiple chapters before choosing Chapter 11. After everyone has decided on a treatment, understanding how everything works is critical to achieving better results. The chapter focuses on numerous types of data and how they should be handled consistently in many aspects, as well as a careful look at how the plans are matched and executed into the stakeholders' reality. The opinions of the client and their degree of satisfaction should be considered in any such evaluation.

I believe data should not be gathered only as evidence that something exists or is functioning properly. The evidence-based practitioner does play a role in appropriately evaluating these facts and then translating them into meaningful and relevant ways for the client and stakeholders. I believe it has become customary practice to convey results directly rather than attempting to explain them in ways that everyone can grasp. This communication gap exists in our everyday classrooms as well, with most students and parents receiving only the final grade or remarks without understanding the context of the entire learning process and the student's performance outcome.

Data analysis and evaluation is another useful tool for improvement. It is usually preferable to include everyone in this situation. This part should allow everyone to share what works and does not, especially from the client's perspective. Although outcomes send a message, the entire process, including the client's perspectives and feelings, is considered for better outcomes with social validity and acknowledgment for individual uniqueness.