Behavioral intervention for problem behavior in children with fragile X syndrome.

Parents and professionals typically report problem behavior as a significant concern for children with fragile X syndrome. In the present study, the authors explored whether behaviorally based interventions would result in a reduction in problem behavior and an improvement in quality of life for 3 children with fragile X syndrome and their families. A multiple baseline design was used to demonstrate intervention effects for specific high-priority contexts (i.e., bedtime, running errands, and toileting). A multicomponent intervention plan was developed to teach the parents and child to effectively cope with the particular context. After intervention, there were substantial improvements in problem behavior and family quality of life within the given contexts. Results of this study demonstrated the effectiveness of behavioral intervention for children with fragile X syndrome.

Challenges in evaluating psychosocial interventions for Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

In 2002, the National Institutes of Health sponsored a meeting concerning methodological challenges of research in psychosocial interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders. This paper provides a summary of the presentations and the discussions that occurred during this meeting. Recommendations to federal and private agencies included the need for randomized clinical trials of comprehensive interventions for autism as the highest, but not the sole priority. Ongoing working groups were proposed to address psychosocial interventions with a focus on relevant statistics, standardized documentation and methods of diagnosis, development of outcome measures, establishment of standards in research; and the need for innovative treatment designs, including application of designs from other research areas to the study of interventions in ASD.