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Behavior Analysis for Developmental Disabilities

The Stages of Efficacy and Comparative Treatments

  • Chapter
Handbook of Effective Psychotherapy

Part of the book series: The Plenum Behavior Therapy Series ((PBTS))

Abstract

Developmental disabilities are generally considered to comprise mental retardation, autism, and cerebral palsy. This chapter focuses on mental retardation and autism because the large majority of behavioral treatment focuses on those two disabilities. Mental retardation involves impaired functioning in social, educational, intellectual, and adaptive behavior. Some forms of mental retardation have organic etiology that is understood, such as Down syndrome; other forms are clearly congenital with unknown etiology. Most forms are considered “familial,” with the role of genes, organic trauma, and social/environmental factors being less clear. Systems of classification are based upon the degree of retardation, educability, and adaptive behavior. The total incidence of mental retardation in the United States is approximately 3% (Scheerenberger, 1971). Autism occurs in 1 of 2,500 children born in the United States (Schriebman, 1988).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Lee College, University of Judaism, Los Angeles, California, 90077, USA

    John R. Lutzker

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  1. Associates in Managed Care, 10200 East Girard Avenue, Suite C-356, Denver, Colorado, 80231, USA

    Thomas R. Giles

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Lutzker, J.R. (1993). Behavior Analysis for Developmental Disabilities. In: Giles, T.R. (eds) Handbook of Effective Psychotherapy. The Plenum Behavior Therapy Series. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2914-9_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2914-9_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

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