Pros and cons of using Behavior Modification Procedures with Students with Autism

Abstract

The objective of this research paper is therefore to analyze the effectiveness of behavior modification techniques with special needs of Autism disorder. The research paper would only focus on behavior modification of students or children in age group of 2-7. There are many techniques of behavior modification from which positive reinforcement would be discussed with relation to its pros and cons on changing behavior of children with Autism. This level of effectiveness of positive reinforcement for children with Autism would be discussed supporting previous empirical studies.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

Discussion5

Positive Reinforcement Approach5

Pros of Positive Reinforcement7

Cons of Positive Reinforcement8

Conclusion9

Pros and cons of using Behavior Modification Procedures with Students with Autism

Introduction

Teachers and parents have the greatest role towards shaping the behavior of children in personal and social life in early years of their life. Both parents and teachers have perhaps utmost responsible to teach the discipline to young ones without referring to punishment. Their greatest concern is to inculcate adequate behavior and discipline that could promote self-control and also to perform their duties as caregivers for their growing children. This is even more critical with parents and teachers who are dealing with the children with emotional and behavioral disabilities who are constantly having inappropriate discipline and behavior problems at home and at school (Baron & Galizio, 2006).

The emotional and behavior disabilities which are highly significant with students in early ages are Autism, Asperger's syndrome and Aggressive disorder. Some others are found with the Depression, anxiety and fear disorders. Among them, Autism is highly significant emotional and behavioral disability which is commonly in students in early years of their life. Researchers found that children with Autism have emotional problems which may exist for the lifelong development. These emotional problems may affect the children ability of language, social interactions and behavior. In specific, children with autism have problems have communication and social disorders which affect their ability to learn to speak (Higbee, Carr & Patel, 2002). Autism is highly significant emotional disorders among the children of age group 2-7 which hinders their developmental growth of emotional maturity. Recent researchers also conclude that children with Autism are very good in artistic skills and calendar skills, however face many problems in interaction and social talk. This would drastically affect their ability to make an eye contact and find ease in communication, interaction and affection with others at home, school and social level. They also stereotype language as the consequence of lack of reciprocity in conversation and exhibit actions of finger flicking, rocking and spinning. They also feel difficulties in doing other things and coping new skills. They are also found to highly sensitive with punishment even if their behavior is inappropriate with fellow student, teacher or parent. As a result, many children with Autism become quickly distressed and often they are found in mood of extremely upset conditions (Baron & Galizio, 2006).

Parents and Teachers are therefore highly concerned with the unusual behavior of children with ...